The Quiet American

Two men fall in love with the same woman. Not too unusual, except for the time, the place and the politics in play. It is 1952 Saigon, where the Vietnamese, the French, the Americans and rebel factions all have a stake. The Cold War has begun and activities in Vietnam become the symbolic icon for preventing the spread of Communism.

I came away from this film saddened by the history of this little country as well as by the lives of the fictional characters. It is a classic tragedy involving anti-heroes in a gripping tale about what people do in untenable circumstances. There is a definite storyline, but the background for the action seems to supersede the plot.

As every good drama should, this one raises more questions than it answers. Has the American sold his soul or is he a zealous patriot? Does the British reporter act out of responsibility, humanity or self-interest? Are the Vietnamese women immoral because they find a way to survive? And furthermore, is there any absolute morality? And finally, the story poses the ageless question; does the end justify the means? It is not an easy question ever, but it is especially difficult when the answer effects a life, either your own or another.

The film is based on a novel by Graham Greene. A 1958 film based on the same novel starred Audie Murphy as Pyle, the American, and Michael Redgrave as Fowler the reporter. Greene, a prolific novelist also wrote novels which became the films Orient Express (1934), The Third Man (1949), The End of the Affair (1955, 1999) and Our Man in Havana (1959) among numerous others.

Phillip Noyce directed this film. I was also quite impressed with his previous directing effort, Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002).

Michael Caine plays Thomas Fowler, the British reporter. I have always appreciated Caines work in films, however his portrayal in this story is superb. The painful recognition of the decisions his character makes is written on his face in an unmistakable script. If you watch this film for no other reason, watch it to see his performance.

Brendon Fraser plays Alden Pyle, the American. After a number of really goofy roles, I found this effort at serious drama well done. His role in Still Breathing (1997) was a stepping-stone, but this was significantly more serious. Compared to Caine, he did not bring depth to the role, but he did bring energy and I thought it appropriate for the character.

Do Thi Hai Yen plays Phuong, the love object of both men. This is her third film, and first American film. Her character is demur and doesnt require too much, but I found her quite believable.

The DVD Special Features includes a Vietnam Timeline that outlines events in Vietnam over a thirty-year period from the invasion by the Japanese in 1940 until 1970. It is not new information, but it is an eye-opening reminder to step through those events and recognize again our part in them.

Reviewed December 12, 2003