Breach : What is it about the movie that makes it so addictive?

I'll pop it in with the intention of watching one scene, and the next thing I know 15 minutes have gone by and scenario after scenario keeps making me wanna listen to Hanssen's theories and ideas. It's like I either don't watch it enough to memorize it and ultimately get tired of it, or I'm just fascinated with something about the way the film is presented, because it doesn't seem to lose intrigue despite being a pretty straightforward story on the surface.

Wondered if anybody had a similar feeling. It's just kinda hard to explain, and it's odd to speak so highly of an 8 1/2 year old movie that nobody else even remembers anymore, if they did to begin with. It's not like it dominated at the box office!

Last night one a.m and watching this again! The movie fascinates me, story, cast, the weird double life.

They made a classic in my opinion. I hope the cast and crew know that. I also think they did a pretty good job of making it feel pre-9/11. I dunno if making that 2001 connection is really relevant but it's something I've thought about a few times. I dunno, this may seem like a weird description, but I've observed that films from 1994 to 2001 have this squeaky clean vibe/overly optimistic view of the world i.e. You've Got Mail and/or a rather shiny picture quality even if terrorism is a huge part of the plot, represented by a lot of films from 1996. Then you get into 2002-2007 and everything feels like Ridley Scott did the lighting. Breach seemed to find a way of having that lighter tone.

I had to review the book years ago-the story was crazy amazing and easy to read. I'm watching the movie now-already I like the actors and was happy to read the posts here.

Same here. The whole spy thing is intriguing to me and the punishments these guys get when caught

Chris Cooper did an amazing job as always. That's part of what makes this movie so mesmerizing.

It's Chris Cooper, and to a lesser extent, Ryan Phillipe.

One thing I'd like to know: -did- "Eric O'Neill" exist? Is that his real name? Did he really quit and become a lawyer? Or is it some cheap drama to move the plot along.

It wasn't the strain of "being FBI" that was stressing his marriage. It was being undercover. Presumably, in his further career, he will not be doing undercover work (or could opt out of such), and be able to have both his FBI career and his marriage. So, that part of the story was annoying.

it doesn't seem to lose intrigue despite being a pretty straightforward story on the surface.


I've seen it twice now, and enjoyed it both times A LOT. I think the whole combination just works. Excellent script, excellent acting, just the right amount of tension, interesting lighting I didn't find one discordant note in the whole movie.

BBL