This film is truly exceptional. The Quiet American is set in the early
1950's, it is presented as a flashback, centering on the love triangle
between the main character Thomas Fowler (Caine), a cynical British
journalist who is in love with Vietnam and a Vietnamese woman named
Phuong (Do Thi Hai Yen), and does not want to return to dreary London
and his Catholic wife, and Ogden Pyle (Fraser), an American attached
to a medical aide mission. The movie opens with Pyle dead, and Fowler
narrating, taking us back to the events leading to Pyle's death. The
flawed character of Fowler is contrasted by the perfect character of
Pyle as he pursues Phuong and tries to win her from Fowler, whilst still
remaining friends with Fowler. The war intrudes, and Fowler gradually
rediscovers his idealism whilst we are shown the younger Pyle's zeal
in his pursuit of his own cause.
The
plot was brilliant, the soundtrack evocative, the cinematography stunning,
and the acting superb. The film made the audience truly feel what
it was to be in setting, with description from Fowler through narration,
and the sounds of the streets and the score aiding the stunning visuals
admirably.
Sir
Michael Caine’s performance was perfect, with the his portrayal
of the flawed character of Thomas Fowler deserving of an Oscar nomination
at the least. Brendan Fraser’s Ogden Pyle was also impeccable,
changing as the viewer learns more, yet remaining the same. Do Thi
Hai Yen was superb as Phuong, Fowler’s lover, who feels a mutual
attraction with Pyle. The vulnerability, complexity, and grace with
which she portrayed the character was admirable.
The
film is also timely, with the current threat of war between America
and Iraq, and the more general anti-terrorist sentiment in the wake
of September 11. The Quiet American reminds us of the consequences
of interference in foreign conflicts, and that America is not quite
so innocent as it would have the world believe.
