Syriana

George Clooney swaps his usual suave, leading-man image for the role of grizzled CIA agent Bob Barnes in this gritty political thriller. The labyrinthine plot deals with corruption in the Middle East where Barnes is at the centre of a failed Lebanese arms deal. The film also follows the relationship between US energy analyst Bryan Woodman (Matt Damon) and a powerful emir’s son who is the subject of an assassination attempt. Meanwhile, an investigation into the merger of two large oil companies and the travails of a poor Pakistani immigrant oil worker paint a stark picture of the global oil business from opposite ends of the spectrum. Syriana’s taut political wranglings and bursts of action make it a fascinating journey. Clooney once more proves he has the acting chops for serious and challenging roles.