It is learned that Chris is terminally ill and openly talks about writing his memoirs and combined with his fading memory and lack of a filter in public has made him a concern for their boss MJ (Steve Buscemi). Chris has been involved in some of the most sensitive and secret operations and his new pattern of blurting out current and past agendas makes him a real concern, especially his desire to commit his career to a memoir.
Lee has his own issues as his wife thinks nothing of side dalliances due to his extended absences and causes a real love/hate dynamic to exist between them.
Lee finds himself at a crossroad as MJ wants him to control and if necessary silence Chris, who in turn in a moment of lucidity has asked Lee to end his life at some point on the trip so he can find peace in the quiet setting.
Combine a couple of students who keep appearing and to whom Chris has zero issues telling them what is about to happen to their country every chance he gets and you get a mixture of comedy, compassion, and drama which is powered by a masterful performance by Malkovich and Rockwell.
Writer/Director Martin McDonagh has crafted another winner as the film and characters are deeply engaging and the movie hooks you from the very start. The political commentary of the film is very clear but the focus is on the characters in how they have lived through and participated in key historical events but do what they do and accept their place in the larger system.
One of the best films of the year and one that I expect to get some attention come awards season.
4.5 stars out of 5
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