The Quiet American (Noyce, 2002)

Film Description

Phillip Noyce's adaptation of the novel by Graham Greene was initially due for release in 2001 but was held back for release after the events of 9/11 due to its critical view of the US role in Vietnam during the 1950s. British journalist Thomas Fowler (Michael Caine), who is covering the initial events that led to the Indo-China war in 1952, comes under suspicion of murder when the body of a young American, Alden Pyle (Brendan Fraser), is found floating in the river. Their story is told in flashback, as the American apparently arrives in Vietnam to provide medical aid in the war. However, Pyle is not who he at first appears and also falls for Fowler's beautiful girlfriend, Phuong (Do Hai Yen), prompting the journalist to take part in a Communist plot to kill him.

An intriguing and atmospheric love story as well as a riveting mystery, The Quiet American features top-notch performances from Caine and Fraser, who maintain an eager intensity throughout the film. Combining the mysterious beauty of Saigon with the strangeness of the war, the film is suspenseful and effective.

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