The International

After seeing his partner killed while investigating a large international bank, interpol agent Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) is determined to bring those responsible to justice. Teaming up with US District Attorney Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts), Salinger soon finds himself embroiled in a deadly plot involving an assassin (Brian F O’Byrne), a veteran intelligence officer (Armin Mueller-Stahl) and a handful of shady individuals.

Much like the trailer suggested, The International combines conspiracy paranoia with contemporary economic concerns and the odd bullet-spraying skirmish. Though admiringly aspiring above a garden variety explosion-fest, the end result is a slightly above average Bourne-style espionage thriller.

Given the mix of ‘one man taking on the large evil organisation’ and exotic-locale globe-hopping (some of the cityscape cinematography is breathtaking), it’ll also please those who campaigned for Clive Owen to fill James Bond’s tuxedo prior to Daniel Craig’s reboot. Okay, so the talky, exposition-heavy approach is more in line with clandestine classic Three Days Of The Condor than it is an episode of 24, but the film’s most jaw-dropping scene is a staggering shoot-out in New York’s Guggenheim that – much like the bank heist in Heat – explodes out of nowhere.

However, there are a few niggles spoiling the bigger picture. German director Tom Tykwer keeps things ticking over but doesn’t quite achieve the lithe energy of his cult arthouse favourite Run Lola Run. Following a beautiful magic hour shot of our conflicted hero as the sun goes down, we get an undeniably anti-climactic ending. As for the characterisation, it’s so light that it’s tough to care for our protagonist despite how unfeasibly chiselled his chops are.

Speaking of the lead, Clive Owen is, well, Clive Owen. Playing his staple stubbly professional with internal angst and a penchant for long overcoats, he does enough to add more leading man credentials to his resume. Elsewhere Naomi Watts and the majority of the ensemble mightn’t have that much to do, but ageing journeyman Armin Mueller-Stahl nabs scenes even when he’s just sitting there silently.

Despite blending Bourne and Bond, The International doesn’t quite reach the ambitious heights to which it aspires. However, for those looking for a slow-burning and occasionally machine gun-totting spy yarn, this is one you can bank on.