Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Frank Langella | ... | Gerald Bull | |
Alan Arkin | ... | Yossi | |
Kevin Spacey | ... | Price | |
Michael Kitchen | ... | Chris Cowley | |
Francesca Annis | ... | Sophie | |
Aharon Ipalé | ... | Maurouf | |
Zia Mohyeddin | ... | Hashim | |
Tony Goldwyn | ... | Duvall | |
James Fox | ... | Whittington | |
Rupert Graves | ... | Jones | |
Clive Owen | ... | Dov | |
Murray Melvin | ... | Shop Manager | |
Marianne Denicourt | ... | Monique | |
Alexandra Vandernoot | ... | Marie | |
Roger Hammond | ... | Mackler |
Dr Gerald Bull was a genius at designing and building superguns. (Very large long range guns capable of shooting more than 100 Miles.) When a plan by the CIA to export restricted material using him was exposed, the CIA denied all knowledge and he went to jail. He was later released to help Saddam Hussein build a new supergun capable of firing over 500 miles. Israel, upon learning of the supergun, fears it would be used against themselves. Written by Brian W Martz <B.Martz@Genie.com>
As an engineer's son, I have never seen a better portrayal of an engineer's enthusiasm for new problems and new challenges. In one unforgettable scene, Frank Langella brought to the screen for the first time in my opinion what can only be called, "the-joy-of-development."
Too often films that deal with invention focus on that moment when the problem comes together and is solved. What they fail to recognize is the first step, when the men and women are looking at the challenge ahead has even more emotional potential. Thankfully the writers and actors in this film did not forget this human truth.
The cast is excellent. The script is uneven, but the only reason this is obvious is because instead of staying mildly good throughout, like most made for cable films, this movie is mildly good with occasional scenes of brilliance.
If you are an engineer or just have one as a friend or member of the family, see this film. It's a wonder.