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I know what I’m supposed to say about this movie. I’m supposed to say that it’s brilliant and Earth-shattering. I’m supposed to say that anyone who’s capable of intelligent thought will buy this movie on DVD and watch it over and over and over—because it’s just that brilliant. And if you don’t like it, well, that’s because you’re lacking in intellect. Go watch a Pauly Shore movie.
But really…how often do I say what I’m supposed to say?
Syriana is a story about the war over oil—a war with no real good guys…just varying levels of bad guys. Everyone in this movie has something to gain—and everything to lose.
The story is told through the eyes of a number of different characters in a number of different plotlines in a number of different locations around the world. There’s Bob Barnes (George Clooney), who works for the CIA in the Middle East—though he’s never really sure who’s on his side or for whom he’s really working.
There’s a young man who, when he loses his job in the oil fields, turns to an Islamic school, because it’s his only hope for survival.
There’s Bryan Woodman (Matt Damon), an analyst who finds himself, after the accidental death of his son, working with Prince Nasir (Alexander Siddig), the eldest son of the dying king of a Middle Eastern nation. Nasir hopes to turn his country around by selling their oil to China and finally making a profit—but the oil companies in North America favor his younger brother, who cares more about yachts and champagne than he cares about his country.
There’s also Bennett Holiday (Jeffrey Wright), a lawyer whose firm is hired to investigate two oil companies—which, if allowed to merge, will create one the world’s most powerful companies. The film shows cover-up on top of cover-up on top of cover-up—until no one, including the key players, really knows what’s going on.
Syriana has no real storyline—just a number of plots, working simultaneously with, along side of, and in connection to one another. And it’s pretty much impossible to be able to figure out every character and every plotline. All you can do is pay attention and try to follow along. This isn’t an action-packed, shoot-‘em-up movie, nor is it one that you can watch to wind down after a long day of work. It’s intense. It’s [purposely] confusing. And it’ll take every ounce of concentration you possess. That said, it’s also an interesting—and heart-breaking—film about an industry that’s so deep in corruption and desperation that it’s impossible to fix.
Can I appreciate this movie for its award-winning performances, its thought-provoking message, and its complex storyline? Yes. Did I enjoy watching it? No. If you do choose to see it, be aware of what you’re in for. It’s not your typical movie. You won’t be able to just escape into another world and come out feeling refreshed and relaxed a couple of hours later. For that reason, this movie isn’t for everyone. In fact, it’s not for a lot of people.
If you’re prepared to be challenged and confused and even depressed, see this movie. You’ll definitely never see the oil industry in the same light again. But if you’re looking for a good movie with a solid, somewhat linear storyline and a happy ending, this isn’t it.
And if you happen to feel like watching a Pauly Shore movie instead, there’s nothing wrong with that. I recommend Encino Man.
