Movies

Rami Malek’s ‘The Amateur’: A Thrilling Throwback to ’90s Espionage!

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Despite being a fresh release, “The Amateur” carries an air of nostalgia, as if it hails from a bygone era. Rami Malek portrays a talented but underappreciated CIA employee who uncovers a plot where rogue operators attempted to conceal a drone strike that claimed American allies’ lives, falsely accusing insurgents. When he exposes this information to the New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, the perpetrators appear genuinely worried – a response that suggests these esteemed news outlets still have the power to surprise or alarm the average U.S. citizen, or even many of its elected officials, with revelations about high-ranking government officials breaching protocol. If you yearn for a story that evokes longing for an old world order – one where whistleblowers’ disclosures could be heard and heeded – “The Amateur” is the film for you.

Back in the ’90s and early 2000s, it seemed like every few weeks, I’d find myself immersed in another gripping thriller, much like “The Amateur.” These films didn’t have to be cinematic masterpieces; they just had to offer a couple of hours of enjoyable escape on a weekend night. In the same vein, “The Amateur” is a delightfully average thriller that manages to transport you. It was filmed in France, England, and Turkey, so by the end, you feel as if you’ve seen these places through a movie lens. If “The Amateur” isn’t particularly remarkable, it’s still efficient and effective – sometimes, all we want is a film that gets the job done.

In a relaxed yet articulate manner, Malek’s character Charlie Heller demonstrates meticulousness in every task. As his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) prepares for a brief business trip to London, Charlie carefully measures the coffee grounds, filling the air with their rich, vibrant aroma. Afterwards, he proceeds to work, residing in a serene countryside location that feels like a breath of fresh air compared to Langley. Upon arriving at his workplace, we gain insight into Charlie’s position within the hierarchy. A renowned agent referred to as the Bear (Jon Bernthal) queries if Charlie is available for lunch. Charlie initially feels flattered by the invitation, until he learns that the Bear merely requires him to troubleshoot a computer issue. Despite this, he accepts the task graciously, understanding that he works alongside numerous other gifted and underestimated individuals, a situation he has come to accept.

There’s something unique about Charlie: he communicates with a secretive figure named Inquiline, whose whereabouts remain unknown. Inquiline refuses to disclose any details, but their connection provides Charlie with confidential information that turns out to be crucial when disaster strikes, mere hours after Charlie bids farewell to his wife. Shortly after her arrival in London, she’s taken and killed in a terrorist act, and Charlie’s stern, shady superior, Moore (Holt McCallany), informs him of the grim news, even showing him a video of the event. All Charlie can think about is avenging his wife’s death; Moore tries to persuade him to back off. However, Inquiline has shared incriminating details about Moore’s role in drone strikes, which Charlie uses as leverage against his boss. As a result, Moore consents to enroll Charlie in the CIA agent training program – with Laurence Fishburne’s stern and unyielding Henderson serving as his instructor, who frankly tells his student that he lacks the instinct to be a killer. Despite this, Charlie persists, transforming from a timid, overly anxious analyst into an action hero as he pursues the arms dealers responsible for his wife’s murder, from Paris to Marseille, then Istanbul and eventually the Baltic Coast.

remarkably, Malek convincingly portrays his character’s naivete

The film, titled The Amateur, was directed by James Hawes (previously involved in TV shows such as Slow Horses and Black Mirror) and is based on Robert Littell’s 1981 espionage novel of the same name. The film exudes a casual yet assured air of competence. Malek’s portrayal of Charlie, who is new to the world of tracking down dangerous international criminals, showcases his audacity effectively. Furthermore, he demonstrates resourcefulness by utilizing readily available information: we see him learn on-the-spot how to break into an old-style Parisian apartment using a tutorial video from YouTube. (He manages to pick the lock with one hand while keeping the other on his phone, as the expert in the video—addressing his viewers jovially—”Hey there, lock-pick enthusiasts!”)

Malek excels at portraying characters who are slightly or profoundly out-of-sync with their surroundings. There’s an unmistakable air of sincerity about him, characterized by his heart-shaped visage, pointed pixie ears, and eyes that seem haunted permanently. It’s effortless to believe in him as a devoted public servant who is taken aback by the world’s unexpected cruelty. However, he’s more than just innocent. He’s resourceful with courage. When he discovers one of his targets has severe allergies, he ingeniously devises a malicious plan to block her airways with pollen. His knowledge in physics is impressive enough to orchestrate the collapse of a luxurious rooftop pool, hanging 60 stories high. As anti-heroes go, he’s endearingly unique. And surprisingly, he brews an excellent cup of coffee too.

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2025-04-11 20:07

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