MovieChat Forums > The Courier (2021) Discussion > Cumberbatch was fantastic

Cumberbatch was fantastic

posted 3 years ago by BeaSouth (2780)
9 replies | jump to latest

His acting was compelling and convincing. He clearly put himself through physical changes to increase believability. His acting reminded me of how damned tough the British are. There were many moral dilemmas presented in this movie with the American and British characters having to make difficult decisions having no easy answers. I was impressed that the writers took no anachronistic liberties and presented the American and British characters as flawed but responsible for their decisions and actions. I really respect writers who portray people in this fair and nuanced fashion. I agree with the 7+ rating of this movie

[–] NVF (851) 3 years ago

I found it so tedious I fast-forwarded through the last hour. As Jeannette Catsoulis' review from The New York Times begins: "'The Courier,' a true life-based spy thriller set in the early 1960s — and staged to appeal to audiences old enough to have lived through them — stubbornly resists involving or affecting us until it’s almost over. By that time, though, you might have fallen asleep." Both Cumberbatch and Ninidze are very good but neither of their reserved characters are very compelling. Perhaps having just watched "Da 5 Bloods", which I found long and disappointing, distorted my perspective so I may revisit this.

[–] BeaSouth (2780) 3 years ago

It’s funny how the mood you’re in can impact how you receive a movie. I watched this one in a quiet setting at the end of a Saturday night and got into it. I can see how in a different scenario, another viewer would think it boring. I’m into slow boiler espionage movies esp from that time period. I generally dismiss the professional critics though. Too PC and unreliable IMHO

[–] NVF (851) 3 years ago

Critics' views can be problematic for several reasons imo, but this movie was pretty well received. I cited Catsoulis to show I wasn't alone.

[–] AlanClarke (73) 3 years ago

"staged to appeal to audiences old enough to have lived through them"

I find that slightly insulting. Is she implying that people old enough to have lived through the early 60s are dullards neither involving nor affecting? Or is she simply implying that people over 60 have bad taste for stilted movies?

[–] NVF (851) 3 years ago

Found it puzzling when I first read it and still can't say what she's getting at. If this is her in 2004 she's no spring chicken: https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/jeannette-catsoulis-during-cinevegas-2004-fallon-nevada-news-photo/110191606

[–] BeaSouth (2780) 3 years ago

Hilarious. Nice find

[–] Daisy_Mabel (111) 3 years ago

It's a jab at GenX and older folks who know how to suspend disbelief and can focus, understand and be involved in a normal plotline instead of having to watch something geared toward younger generations who can't focus and comprehend a scene that is longer than 60 seconds.

[–] PrimeMinisterX (8291) 3 years ago

I grabbed the film out of Redbox last night and enjoyed it.

I wasn't familiar at all with the true story, so it was interesting to get exposed to some new history. These guys were pretty courageous.

I found the film just a touch on the slow side, but overall the story was engaging and the filmmakers do an excellent job of bringing the Cold War era to life with superb production design.

Cumberbatch was very good and, as you say, he clearly tortured himself physically to look in poor health for certain scenes. I also thought Rachel Brosnahan did a fine job. Prior to this film I only knew her from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and it was interesting to see her tackle a different kind of character.

[–] DoctorThirteen (10213) 2 years ago

I watched this for the first time tonight and loved it. I agree, Cumberbatch was terrific 👍 (I gave it 8/10)