Moe Berg (Paul Rudd) is ordered to assassinate Werner Heisenberg (Mark Strong), the leader of the Nazi nuclear effort and the father of Quantum Physics. Moe was a journeyman Major League baseball catcher better known for his odd cerebral mannerisms. Estella (Sienna Miller) was his long-time girlfriend although he has homosexual encounters. For the mission, he is joined by Heisenberg acquaintance physicist Sam Goudsmit (Paul Giamatti) and military liaison Robert Furman (Guy Pearce).
The true story is rather interesting which keeps this a compelling watch. I do have several issues with the movie itself. First, the title has to go. It may work for a book but it lacks the power for a movie. It should be something more like Killing Heisenberg. Second, Moe Berg remains a mystery despite some very compelling scenes. I still don't get his relationship with Estella. Quite frankly, it would be more interesting to have the innuendo than trying to figure out his deal. His reply to the queer question is perfect. As for the meeting in Zurich, I like everything except the final foot chase right out of every other spy movie. It needs to be more than that. The audience needs something to indicate that the Germans are not close to the bomb. It's in the conversation. Moe needs to bring up the 5% and Heisenberg needs something brilliant. I don't what that is but the movie needs it. This is intriguing history and Paul Rudd is doing more than his amiable everyman.
The true story is rather interesting which keeps this a compelling watch. I do have several issues with the movie itself. First, the title has to go. It may work for a book but it lacks the power for a movie. It should be something more like Killing Heisenberg. Second, Moe Berg remains a mystery despite some very compelling scenes. I still don't get his relationship with Estella. Quite frankly, it would be more interesting to have the innuendo than trying to figure out his deal. His reply to the queer question is perfect. As for the meeting in Zurich, I like everything except the final foot chase right out of every other spy movie. It needs to be more than that. The audience needs something to indicate that the Germans are not close to the bomb. It's in the conversation. Moe needs to bring up the 5% and Heisenberg needs something brilliant. I don't what that is but the movie needs it. This is intriguing history and Paul Rudd is doing more than his amiable everyman.