Cast
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Chris Cooper
as Robert Hanssen
Ryan Phillippe
as Eric O'Neill
Laura Linney
as Kate Burroughs
Caroline Dhavernas
as Juliana O'Neill
Gary Cole
as Rich Garces
Dennis Haysbert
as Dean Plesac
Kathleen Quinlan
as Bonnie Hanssen
Bruce Davison
as John O'Neill
Jonathan Watton
as Geddes
Tom Barnett
as Jim Olsen
Jonathan Potts
as D.I.A. Suit
David Huband
as Photographer
Catherine Burdon
as Agent Nece
Scott Gibson
as Agent Sherin
Courtenay J. Stevens
as Agent Loper
Crew
Director
- Billy Ray
Producer
- Robert Newmyer
- Scott Strauss
- Scott Kroopf
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Though never really very versatile, Ryan Philippe delivers quite well in this fact-based drama about one of the most famous cases of espionage to ever happen in the USA. O'Neill is a tech specialist with aspirations to be an agent who is selected by Kate Burroughs (Laura Linney) for a very unique task. He is to work with the long established Robert Hanssen (Chris Cooper) on devising new ways to keep their systems safe from hackers. What we, and they, know is that Hanssen is suspected of being a mole, and a pretty darned substantial one at that. It's going to fall to O'Neill to try and find a way past the formidable defences of his new boss in the hope that they can entrap him. This won't be an easy task as Hanssen is a shrewd man, probably the most shrewd in the Bureau. Obviously this is a top secret mission, so he can't tell wife Juliana (Catherine Dhavernas) anything about what's going on - and that puts predictable strain on their marriage, especially as he begins to make some progress on a mark who likes nothing better than cat and mouse games - even with his own side! The story was huge news so there's not so much jeopardy, nor does Billy Ray really try to manufacture any. It's more a study of characterisations and Philippe and Cooper perform quite strongly on that front with some lively tit-for-tat dialogue and smouldering views on repressed religiosity. It could maybe lose ten minutes, but once it gets going it's quite a well paced thriller worth a watch.
Jan 19, 2025
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Breach examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Billy Ray brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Breach took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $23.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1569 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2007, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Breach shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Inherit the Wind, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Breach offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Reclaim Your Brain and Crime of Passion explore similar territory, Breach stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 12, 2007
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Budget: $23,000,000
- Revenue: $41,000,000
