SYRIANA

Among its many strengths, possibly the most impressive thing about Stephen Gaghan's 'Syriana' is the fact that a major studio funded it at all. The film is so complex and assumes so much intelligence on the part of its audience that it's very nearly off-putting on first viewing. Moments of simple, timeless humanity keep at least one of the movie's feet on the ground, though, and the complexity becomes enthralling.

There is no true leading role in this story of oil's importance in the 21st century, but George Clooney, Jeffrey Wright, and Matt Damon are given the most screen time in a large cast. Clooney is especially good here. He reportedly gained thirty-five pounds for the role (twenty of it in his beard, it seems), and mostly lets his posture and facial expressions work for him in place of dialogue. The supporting cast is accomplished (and largely unknown) enough that it's easy to forget that they are paid actors. Plenty of handheld camera work may be nauseating but also adds to the realism.

There is no doubt that some audiences will find 'Syriana' a puzzle not worth the effort it takes to solve. It plays like few other films and comes to no neat conclusions. Those looking for sheer entertainment will find it entirely too much work.

For audience members who are willing to work toward understanding, the movie is rewarding. Even after one viewing, with many plot points little more than a haze, 'Syriana' weighs heavily on the mind. It is about oil, yes, but it is also about corruption, secrets, politics, modernity, business, and more. The film simply feels important. It may prove otherwise on further viewing, as some have suggested. But the fact that further viewing is not only necessary but an exciting prospect as well speaks volumes.

MAYBE SO (7/10)