Syriana
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: November 23, 2005
7.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 392 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
288
Mixed:
50
Negative:
54
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
9
GregDec 11, 2005
As some critics point out, this movie is indeed disjointed, but that's the point. Writer/director Stephen Gaghan has made the potentially dangerous assumption that his audience has brains which function, and are thus capable of paying As some critics point out, this movie is indeed disjointed, but that's the point. Writer/director Stephen Gaghan has made the potentially dangerous assumption that his audience has brains which function, and are thus capable of paying close attention. The movie's (and book's) ultimate point is that we are all sucking at the oil teat, which despite anyone's best machinations, shall eventually run dry. I also strongly recommend Robert Baer's books "See No Evil" and "Sleeping With The Devil".… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
DanielJ.Dec 10, 2005
I still have mixed feelings about this very powerful film. It's really a work seeking to address an imbalance, which means it's pure agenda. The imbalance it seeks to address is the limits of our myopic worldview in the west (or I still have mixed feelings about this very powerful film. It's really a work seeking to address an imbalance, which means it's pure agenda. The imbalance it seeks to address is the limits of our myopic worldview in the west (or anywhere for that matter). What this film does is give a westerner like me just the slightest inkling of the rage and frustration of an all-powerful foreign power interfering in its affairs as well as the humiliation and desperation that the poor feel, specifically here, in the arab world, and how that makes them susceptible to radicalization. It is exceedingly cynical. However it… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
AndreA.Dec 10, 2005
I really want to like this movie because of the subject matter, but I was confused one too many times to give it more than a 7. It's definitely not an enjoyable movie, but this movie is clearly not designed to be enjoyed -- it seems to I really want to like this movie because of the subject matter, but I was confused one too many times to give it more than a 7. It's definitely not an enjoyable movie, but this movie is clearly not designed to be enjoyed -- it seems to me designed to get people to see how big business (particularly big oil) protects itself and is very, very good at doing it. For people who are already aware of this, it may be a little to obvious. For people who aren't, maybe it shows a new point of view that might educate. Even if it did, it's still a hard movie to recommend.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RyanDec 12, 2005
This film features some top-notch cinematography. Not unlike Gaghan's "Traffic", this movie will have you thinking about its message for days.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
TomD.Dec 12, 2005
Mesermizing and fast. I didn't feel swept along by the story so much as entrenched in it. I love movies that reward you for your intelligence, dilligence and offer you a complex puzzle to solve and re-solve. Not for everyone, of course, Mesermizing and fast. I didn't feel swept along by the story so much as entrenched in it. I love movies that reward you for your intelligence, dilligence and offer you a complex puzzle to solve and re-solve. Not for everyone, of course, but the fact that character's lives and deaths came with such silence and pause made the humanist nature of the filmmaker eminently clear. All the while leaving the entire story, like a map of the world that may contain more conflict than oil reserves.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
miker.Dec 12, 2005
I am not unsympathetic to the position this movie takes that big oil and the politicans it employs are recking havoc with the world politic ultimately with dire consequences to our own country in the future, but the structure of the story, I am not unsympathetic to the position this movie takes that big oil and the politicans it employs are recking havoc with the world politic ultimately with dire consequences to our own country in the future, but the structure of the story, for such a complicated and complex movie, like this sentence, left me in the dark too long. Movies should not be term papers.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
SusanM.Dec 12, 2005
I have so many bad things to say about this movie...first of all, the person who said "If you liked Traffic you'll like Syriana" was 100% wrong. I liked Traffic a lot, and this movie was just plain lousy. This movie is so thick with oil I have so many bad things to say about this movie...first of all, the person who said "If you liked Traffic you'll like Syriana" was 100% wrong. I liked Traffic a lot, and this movie was just plain lousy. This movie is so thick with oil industry lingo that it lost me right away...in the trailer, it looked like it would be action-packed, well let me tell you it's not! It's 99% talking and 1% action. It tried to make some kind of statement about the corruption in the oil industry, while telling something about the lives of those involved. Well, it TOTALLY failed because I didn't walk away pissed off at oil companies, I walked away pissed off at everyone involed in making the movie, for wasting 2 hours of my time. This is not an enjoyable movie, the story goes nowhere and the characters don't matter and it never makes it's point. Trust me, spend your time watching paint dry, you'll have more fun.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
AnnDec 13, 2005
This is a film only a mother of the director could love. It is very difficult to follow as it jumps from storyline to storyline all with predictable results. Business as usual with America the bad guy as we are responsible for creating This is a film only a mother of the director could love. It is very difficult to follow as it jumps from storyline to storyline all with predictable results. Business as usual with America the bad guy as we are responsible for creating terrorists, oil at all costs to drive our engine, and corruption in all facets of government and coroporations. Ho-hum. Not much character development if at all. The audience walked out shaking its collective heads. Not worthy of your time or money.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
OrenKDec 14, 2005
Excellent acting, beautiful cinematography, but the plot was a bit slow and drawn out.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
jdelapaDec 15, 2005
Wow. This movie is amazing. I can't stop thinking about it... I think its this years best, and certainly my new favorite.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
gregj.Dec 17, 2005
this is to PETER G. sir, this is hardly an anti-american movie, it is simply reality. you need to read a book sometime. have you not seen the pictures of bush holding king abdullah's hand? do you not know thatthe cia helped return the this is to PETER G. sir, this is hardly an anti-american movie, it is simply reality. you need to read a book sometime. have you not seen the pictures of bush holding king abdullah's hand? do you not know thatthe cia helped return the shah to power after a pro-democratic but american oil company leader named mossadeq was ousted so that we could still have iranian oil. oh and you worked for an oil company, so i guess makes you an expert on what the company is doing in congress or overseas. what do you think im a moron? come on man i'm not your son. i could have also sat here and thrown some stupid comment alluding to my qualifications in writing this comment like, "I have a political science degree." that wouldn't mean anything unless i backed my opinion with some facts, so next time you wanna make an inane comment about how liberals in hollywood hate america, at least have a facts to back it up.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
statikdogDec 21, 2005
Utterly confusing and often bland. Just because you make a move about important issues it doesn't mean it's a great movie. Maybe I should've brought Dennis Miller along with me to explain what the Hell was going on.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
ChapS.Dec 22, 2005
Please do not waste your time watching this movie. I still do not understand what this movie was about. It is a jumbled up mess that makes no attempt to "come together" at the end or even make some larger point. The only thing I could glean Please do not waste your time watching this movie. I still do not understand what this movie was about. It is a jumbled up mess that makes no attempt to "come together" at the end or even make some larger point. The only thing I could glean from this movie is that big corporations are evil (please tell me something I don't already know). I'm sorry I didn't just walk out of this movie half-way through. The only reason that I can figure out why this move got such a good metacritic score is that reviewers are too embarrassed to admit that they have no idea what this movie is about either.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
michaell.Dec 23, 2005
Huh? good acting, very interesting, but so disjointed and hard to follow....no dummy here, but you lost me.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
HowardF.Dec 26, 2005
One of the best movies of the year. While some may complain of no action, the information IS the action and leaves you sitting in your seat stunned. This story of wealth and power is a powerhouse effect. I was prepared to pay attention and One of the best movies of the year. While some may complain of no action, the information IS the action and leaves you sitting in your seat stunned. This story of wealth and power is a powerhouse effect. I was prepared to pay attention and think about what was going on and had little trouble keeping it all together. It's not necessary, though, to try and keep track of every detail because the load of information given to you sets the mood and ambiance. But you do have to pay attention. So riveting that the two rows I sat in didn't budge as the credits rolled up.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
RhettW.Dec 28, 2005
George Clooney stands out. Highlight: Tim Blake Nelson's "Wall Street" like rant on how corruption is good for America.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JoelK.Dec 29, 2005
Very good, very thought-provoking.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
OrsonO.Dec 29, 2005
Yes, this is an ambitious, four plot-line film; yes, it's about Big Oil (while we have predisdent closely connected to oil, as must be from Texas - traditionally, out biggest oil producer - who none the less was only 'small' Yes, this is an ambitious, four plot-line film; yes, it's about Big Oil (while we have predisdent closely connected to oil, as must be from Texas - traditionally, out biggest oil producer - who none the less was only 'small' oil, critics always miss). But none of this saves it from confusing marrative arc, mysterious motivation (right down to the Paki-Jihadi - haven't the writers heard of Koran memorization in Madrassa's?), tendentious slant, and a miscast Matt Damon. It's still a boring film (made me wish I was reading instead)! In fact, even big oil is only moderately profitable industry (7% - newspapers make more than double that). And big business has been in declining share of the US economy since Reagan. (I'm so scared.) There's more suspense in reading blogs than sitting for the sad, pretentious, "Syriana." Only Michale Moore-on's imbued with self-righeousness against Bush/Chamey/Chimp/Hitler/Hallitburton/"It's all about oil!" (pick any malicious stereotype - one's as good [and bad] as any other) and Green voting Ralph Nader lovers (ie, most of my neighbors and friends in BOulder, CO). Even I'll get more out of reading The Nation than watching this pablum trumped up as 'mystery.' Naturally, this screenplay was hived off the only section of a book that could be spun against the Right! Baer's book, by a former CIA operative, was really about how much we - as a nation - have lost by having abandoned human intelligence for safe and dull hi-tech surveillance. You won't find any of that message on film - how convenient. This has been a horrible movie season - even summer was better! And an aweful year - I've walked out on three films, a record for me - and this and 'Munich' were two, both December releases. Now, tell me: it's four years since 9/11, and the only one to approach terrorism seriously, even tangentially, was the viscerally satisfying 'B' picture "Red Eye." HOW COME ALLL THE BEST FILMS ABOUT TERRORISM WERE MADE IN THE CLINTON YEARS? Because Hollywood has abandoned AmeriKa for...for what exactly? Get a clue!!! We want believable villains and conflicts relevant to today! Just reading up on Big Oil, I notivce that Canada has now supplanted Iraq for #2 rank in proven world oil reserves. Now, if syriana had been set in Alberta, and we could all lauch at the Canucks about Aermican intrigue, maybe then it would have been entertaining enough to sit through. But Hollywood can't get over recycling old myths (the conspriacy behind "Three Days of The Condor") as cliches, instead of facing up to new realities (eg, Jihadi's do just want us dead because we are free to be wealthy and libertines and live to smite Allah - Bin Laden says so).… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MarcH.Dec 29, 2005
If you enjoy an intelligent movie that requires a little bit of thought and effort out of the viewer you will love this movie. Very rewarding, I was in the theatre with only a few others but I noticed not a single person left when the If you enjoy an intelligent movie that requires a little bit of thought and effort out of the viewer you will love this movie. Very rewarding, I was in the theatre with only a few others but I noticed not a single person left when the credits began to roll. Everyone just sat there in awe. A truly great thinking man's flick. If, on the other hand, you require big explosions to a nu-metal rock soundtrack to keep you entertained then save your money and rewatch Vin Diesel in "XXX"… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
MikeE.Dec 31, 2005
Don't get out of your seat to get popcorn, or let your mind wander in the middle of the film. If you do, you're going to bo lost trying to tie all the loose ends together.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
GrahamDec 6, 2005
Excellent, don't trust the people that say this isnt good, one of the best films of the year, Clooney should be nominated!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
CharlesDec 7, 2005
Complicated, but worth the effort.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
KellyG.Dec 9, 2005
Too self important.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
V.MartinezDec 9, 2005
This movie should have 'Plot/Character Guides' given out at the entrance of the movie (kinda like 3D glasses). I would have walked out, but I paid $8.50 (remember, if you check your watch in a movie or you fall asleep, then it This movie should have 'Plot/Character Guides' given out at the entrance of the movie (kinda like 3D glasses). I would have walked out, but I paid $8.50 (remember, if you check your watch in a movie or you fall asleep, then it sucks). I'd say about 12 characters with 5 different stories going on at the same time (i.e. 60 scenarios). A circus act with the clowns juggling plots, characters, jerky video, anti-Big Oil cliches, CIA coverups, family crises, etc. In short, wait until it's out on DVD( and take 'Syriana 101' at your community college). P.S. The '1' star is to bring down the accolades, sorry.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
BillyS.Jan 15, 2006
For the 18-30 year olds that every movie hopes will pay 10 bucks to see it, lat me put it in terms you'll understand, in Syriana, George Clooney and Stephen Gaghan really PUNK corporate oil, George Bush and the CIA all in one exciting For the 18-30 year olds that every movie hopes will pay 10 bucks to see it, lat me put it in terms you'll understand, in Syriana, George Clooney and Stephen Gaghan really PUNK corporate oil, George Bush and the CIA all in one exciting episode with explosions, car chases and kidnappings and for the over 30's it's an intricate, intelligent, multi-layered reflection on the world today and one of the 10 best films of the year!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
TimJan 16, 2006
Very disappointing movie. After watching the trailer I was excited to hopefully see a good political thriller. Well, this movie was all political but there was no thrill. It felt like I was sitting in my seat for 3 hours before anything Very disappointing movie. After watching the trailer I was excited to hopefully see a good political thriller. Well, this movie was all political but there was no thrill. It felt like I was sitting in my seat for 3 hours before anything really meaningful happened. All the old white men looked the same and you could never get a grasp on what their names were. So if they weren't in the scene but were being talked about, you have no idea what was going on. Great cast and acting but terrible script and so much waste of screen time. No point to the opening family scene which lasted way too long. No point to seeing a Bob leave a tip. So many times this happened. I only need to see something happening on screen that affects the story. So much wasted time. I would definitely not suggest seeing this film. It was a great concept but terribly poor execution.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DianeH.Jan 17, 2006
This movie is difficult to follow, but worth the effort. When I find myself thinking about a movie for days afterward, I know it was well-done. This movie does that... makes you wonder about big oil companies, and the role of our government This movie is difficult to follow, but worth the effort. When I find myself thinking about a movie for days afterward, I know it was well-done. This movie does that... makes you wonder about big oil companies, and the role of our government in the fight for oil… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
Dr.VenusDec 1, 2006
I loved the complexity of the multiple storylines and that the ending was not some neat little Hollywood package with all the loose ends tied up. Life is messy. The oil situation is messy: the oil barons want to stay in power and you see how I loved the complexity of the multiple storylines and that the ending was not some neat little Hollywood package with all the loose ends tied up. Life is messy. The oil situation is messy: the oil barons want to stay in power and you see how they do it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RandyJan 22, 2006
Those who can't follow the movie need to just pay closer attention, it really isn't that complicated. That said there is a lot going on. Although the film may be Hollywood it is well done and bring light to to things occuring Those who can't follow the movie need to just pay closer attention, it really isn't that complicated. That said there is a lot going on. Although the film may be Hollywood it is well done and bring light to to things occuring around us that me may not be aware of. As a person always seeking films that make me think, I loved it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AdamJan 27, 2006
This is, I think, the best movie of the year. I felt like I had seen something very important after I got done watching it. The movie does such a good job tying together all the different plotlines and characters, and it makes you care for This is, I think, the best movie of the year. I felt like I had seen something very important after I got done watching it. The movie does such a good job tying together all the different plotlines and characters, and it makes you care for all the characters (yes, even the terrorists). The movie depicts every character in an extremely realistic light, devoid of demonization or propaganda. It tells it like it is. As for those who think the movie is an excuse to rip George W. Bush, I saw this movie with a large group of people, most of them loyal Conservative Republicans, and they all loved the movie as much as I did.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
HalB.Jun 23, 2006
A very good, nearly great film. Reviewers who give it low marks must be accustomed to being spoon-fed the usual Hollywood tripe. Yes, it requires one to actually pay attention. Yes, the plot lines are complex and interwoven. And yes, it is A very good, nearly great film. Reviewers who give it low marks must be accustomed to being spoon-fed the usual Hollywood tripe. Yes, it requires one to actually pay attention. Yes, the plot lines are complex and interwoven. And yes, it is one of the best films of the year. The acting was excellent, the pacing superb, and the climax was riveting. I found myself occasionally confused, but ultimately rewarded, for having spent time with this film. For anyone who thinks the modern global economy, based on our gluttony for oil as it is, is an intrinsically good thing -- see this film and pay attention! A cynical, but undoubtedly realistic picture of our world today. Sobering, though-provoking, entertaining.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ChrisW.Jun 24, 2006
Simply amazing... OK, maybe not simply, as you do have to follow this movie carefully to understand it. Great performances teamed up with a story that gets more relative as time goes by. Time in the film and real life. A great lesson is to Simply amazing... OK, maybe not simply, as you do have to follow this movie carefully to understand it. Great performances teamed up with a story that gets more relative as time goes by. Time in the film and real life. A great lesson is to be learned and changes do need to be made.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JohnH.Jul 14, 2006
Being just fifteen, I was a bit lost watching the movie the first time, but a repeat view allowed me to understand a wonderful plot full of complex characters in the disturbing world which is our own. If a teenager can figure it out, then no Being just fifteen, I was a bit lost watching the movie the first time, but a repeat view allowed me to understand a wonderful plot full of complex characters in the disturbing world which is our own. If a teenager can figure it out, then no adults (except perhaps stupid ones) can legitimately criticize the movie for being "confusing". Pretty cool.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
JohnY.Jan 21, 2007
Extremely complicated plot. Too many storylines. Sloppy editing. Worst film I have seen in ages.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
CarmineA.Jun 24, 2007
Terrible almost far-left propoganda. Clooney preaches this stuff and then hops in his luxury car feeled with the "corrupt" oil. The directors and Clooney are nothing more then spoiled hollywood actors that want a cause to belong to. This is Terrible almost far-left propoganda. Clooney preaches this stuff and then hops in his luxury car feeled with the "corrupt" oil. The directors and Clooney are nothing more then spoiled hollywood actors that want a cause to belong to. This is the moral of the story: America: awful/immoral/evil country that cares about businees more then human lives. Saudi sheiks : good hearted, caring people who are being used by America. Suicide bombers: misunderstood kids who are really good people its just that America screws them over. Conclusion: Death to America, Long-live Muslim totalitarianism, suice bombers are good-hearted people.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DaveW.Nov 19, 2009
Well worth the concentration and focus required.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
BaconS.Nov 4, 2009
Worst movie ever. It took jumping the shark into outer space. No country, especially the US, is going to fire a missile against a foreign country to save oil profits for a company. Absurd. But perfectly fine for conspiracy theorist. Most of Worst movie ever. It took jumping the shark into outer space. No country, especially the US, is going to fire a missile against a foreign country to save oil profits for a company. Absurd. But perfectly fine for conspiracy theorist. Most of the places it was saying something took place is either wrong or confusing and has nothing to do with anything except drag the story.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
raminNov 21, 2005
Best film about middle east.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
timNov 21, 2005
The main complaint i hear about this film is that it goes too fast to catch the plot, - all the information is actually between the lines. well, this movie doesn't spell it out in words, but if you can't get the idea from all this The main complaint i hear about this film is that it goes too fast to catch the plot, - all the information is actually between the lines. well, this movie doesn't spell it out in words, but if you can't get the idea from all this great acting and writing and direction, you probably aren't good at getting ideas.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MichaelB.Nov 23, 2005
Look at this movie as somewhat of an IQ test, then check the scores it received from the media critics... Yes, it's a difficult, intellectually challenging movie that refuses to spoonfeed expositional pablum to the viewer, but it's Look at this movie as somewhat of an IQ test, then check the scores it received from the media critics... Yes, it's a difficult, intellectually challenging movie that refuses to spoonfeed expositional pablum to the viewer, but it's also a terrific thriller. My pick for the best and boldest movie from Hollywood this year.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DanB.Nov 23, 2005
No bad guys. no good guys. conspiracy without the conspiracy. whiz. bang. zoom. boffo flick.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BuzzNov 28, 2005
I'm not going to take stabs at people who don't get this film. there was a guy behind me snoring, the guy to my left would sigh hyperbolically everytime a scene changed...it's not for everyone. but if you like true drama, I'm not going to take stabs at people who don't get this film. there was a guy behind me snoring, the guy to my left would sigh hyperbolically everytime a scene changed...it's not for everyone. but if you like true drama, great acting, and inspired stroytelling - and don't need a movie riddled with chase scenes scored to techo and "everything's gonna be alright" summations - invest a couple of hours in a little high-quality edutainment. be not afraid.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DexterB.Dec 11, 2005
Okay this is great.... this board is like an IQ test! People who are pretty dumb... well they complain about it being "too complicated" and give it a low score 'cause it caused them to break into a sweat trying to think. If you cross Okay this is great.... this board is like an IQ test! People who are pretty dumb... well they complain about it being "too complicated" and give it a low score 'cause it caused them to break into a sweat trying to think. If you cross reference the names with reviews of, say Spiderman 2, you'll see that they loved movies made for kids under 8 and just plain dumb people. People with a little intelligence had no difficulties and were able to grok the whole thing. It's like taking your pet white rat to the Matise/Pissarro exhibit... he's just not going to get it, and will probably b and moan about having to sit through it. Well, most rats. There are exeptions.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
JohnB.Dec 11, 2005
The fact that this film got so many good reviews is really amazing! It's a totally absurd attempt to explain the big oil conspiracy, the source of terrorism and the inner workings of the CIA. It fails on all counts, basically because The fact that this film got so many good reviews is really amazing! It's a totally absurd attempt to explain the big oil conspiracy, the source of terrorism and the inner workings of the CIA. It fails on all counts, basically because the story is so flawed. It's confusing, totally unplausible and, worst of all-boring. You wonder why movie attendance is down? After spending eight bucks and two hours on this farce, i think I know why.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
HeatherM.Dec 13, 2005
This movie is so engaging and beautifully crafted. George Clooney is batting a thousand so far this year!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
spongeeeDec 13, 2005
Great film. I honestly 'got' about 80-90 percent of the movie on first view, but I left feeling rewarded for watching the story. Great suspense and pace. Check it!!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
FantasyDec 13, 2005
What a disappointment. Just awful. Avoid at all costs.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DanBDec 14, 2005
I think the reaction people have to this film will tell you more about the person speaking than the film. And for the record, I'm not at all sure it's particularly liberal, nor does it so strenuously assert the oil business is I think the reaction people have to this film will tell you more about the person speaking than the film. And for the record, I'm not at all sure it's particularly liberal, nor does it so strenuously assert the oil business is evil. I mean, you could think it says that, but I think the msg is a bit more mixed than that.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
cousinrkDec 15, 2005
One of the most disapointing films of the year. I loved Traffic and was expecting more of the same here. What I found was a convoluted movie that felt more like watching a boring CNN documentary on Oil and Gas than an interesting film. The One of the most disapointing films of the year. I loved Traffic and was expecting more of the same here. What I found was a convoluted movie that felt more like watching a boring CNN documentary on Oil and Gas than an interesting film. The fact is it wasn't entertaining at all. You spend so much time trying to figure everything out that it becomes hard to enjoy yourself.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
MarkB.Dec 15, 2005
Writer-director Stephen Gaghan previously did the screenplay for Traffic, partly as an outgrowth of his substance-abusing days before becoming clean and sober, and the most impressive aspect of his work on Syriana is that two years of Writer-director Stephen Gaghan previously did the screenplay for Traffic, partly as an outgrowth of his substance-abusing days before becoming clean and sober, and the most impressive aspect of his work on Syriana is that two years of researching Big Oil before writing this DIDN'T drive him back to drugs again! Gaghan attempts to do with the energy cartels what Traffic did with the worldwide drug trade, but it's missing one simple but crucial element: Steven Soderbergh as director. Soderbergh gained justifiable acclaim (and a Best Director Oscar) for making Gaghan's sprawling blend of three seperate storylines amazingly clear and viewer-friendly; Gaghan, helming this one, adds about 7 more plotlines and no end of confusion. The very distinct possibility that Gaghan is weaving this endlessly tangled web ON PURPOSE to demonstrate how complex Big Oli's grip on government (domestic and foreign), the economy, morality, life and death doesn't make his film any less annoying to watch; Gaghan's like a kid who lets you play with his gigantic jigsaw puzzle while watching you squirm because he deliberately hid several key pieces under the sofa cushions. Amazingly, he manages the impressive feat of being both serpentine and heavy-handed; his simple conclusion (if you didn't already guess it before buying your ticket) is that The Oil Industry Is Evil And All-Encompassing And There's Nothing You Can Do About It, Not Even Ride Your Bike To Work. (And if you manage to miss it, Tim Blake Nelson hammers it home with a speech about corruption that is extremely reminiscent of Michael Douglas' "Greed Is Good" monologue in Wall Street without at all making you forget how much more effective Oliver Stone's movie was.) I have nothing at all against blowing the whistle on Big Business, but unlike Robert Greenwald's current documentary Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices, Syriana doesn't spur audiences to action, or behavioral change, or anything except hopelessness and doldrums. And at least Andrew Niccol's underrated Lord of War, which takes on international arms trade and draws most of the same cynical conclusions, very successfully uses Nicolas Cage's narration to draw you into its necessarily labyrinthine plot rather than pushing you away. Syriana DOES boast some very good performances, especially from Christopher Plummer, Matt Damon, Amanda Peet and especially George Clooney (and three cheers to him for, by putting on weight for both this and Good Night and Good Luck, demonstrating that movie good guys come in ALL shapes and sizes). And one of Gaghan's subplots is an intriguing and extremely offbeat (to Western viewers,anyway) view of Arab suicide bombers as otherwise rather likable, ordinary people whose deaths in the line of dubious duty inspire sympathy not as much for their victims as for the attackers themselves--what a shame that such nice kids have to die so early! Otherwise, the closest that Gaghan gets to coherently communicating his obviously deeply felt message about the sins committed by American oil companies is that sitting through this tangle is a perfect mirror of the frustration that many moviegoers felt earlier this year at the gas pumps!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
J-LoDec 16, 2005
It's interesting that the major reasons MC users did not like Syriania either are (1) they did not get it or (2) did not agree with the politics. To answer the first group, there is a category of film (and music, theater, painting, etc) It's interesting that the major reasons MC users did not like Syriania either are (1) they did not get it or (2) did not agree with the politics. To answer the first group, there is a category of film (and music, theater, painting, etc) in which you are not supposed to get it. The mystery and confusion are intentional. If you think the film was boring and that watching paint dry would be more fun, have no fear: Spiderman III and a new James Bond movie are in the works. As for the politcal reactions to the film, calling Syriana "trite," "absurd," "self important," etc., I have some advice: for your own peace of mind you should stay away from movies with messages that you can predict you'll disagree with, because, as you well know, anything you disagree with is obviously flawed and wrong. And in this case a former CIA operative in the Middle East who wrote the book on which the movie is based could not possibly know what he was writing about and therefore the film deserves a 0. Brilliant.… Expand
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9
WWDec 16, 2005
Gripping plot is not for the easily distracted. Twists and turns keep the audience guessing and constantly trying to piece the puzzle together, only to find in the end that the puzzle might take a few repeated viewings to fully realize the Gripping plot is not for the easily distracted. Twists and turns keep the audience guessing and constantly trying to piece the puzzle together, only to find in the end that the puzzle might take a few repeated viewings to fully realize the scope of this ambitious work. Above all, this film provokes thought on the balancing act that is capitalism, diplomacy, and ethics, and whether it's possbile for them to even share the same breath in America. Fans of films like Traffic, The Manchurian Candidate, and All the Presidents Men have a new gem to polish.… Expand
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10
daveDec 19, 2005
This movie was great. However, if you are an idiot and can't follow four separate parts to one story (that all come together) then don't bother. So, go see the movie. But be warned: it's not action packed, yoiu may have to This movie was great. However, if you are an idiot and can't follow four separate parts to one story (that all come together) then don't bother. So, go see the movie. But be warned: it's not action packed, yoiu may have to think instead of absorbing special effects, and you may have to use reasoning skills at something like a fifth grade level. Unfortunately as I've seen several comments below, these traits are now few and far between.… Expand
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6
JohnC.P.Dec 25, 2005
Clearly a very ambitious movie. It's not an action movie, nor is it exactly a thriller movie (it certainly wasn't rewarding in that sense), which means that the movie has to succeed on getting across its message. The movie does Clearly a very ambitious movie. It's not an action movie, nor is it exactly a thriller movie (it certainly wasn't rewarding in that sense), which means that the movie has to succeed on getting across its message. The movie does raise many important and valid issues, but in the end, I was left thinking, "Yeah, great, but I already knew that. Show me new stuff or force me to think about old stuff in ways I haven't before." And the movie failed in that regard. For all the mental hoops the movie makes you jump through, I expected more.… Expand
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9
BlackGoldDec 26, 2005
The movie is simply about oil and how different people try to hustle it...its various stories and points of view strung together with some slick editing and DP work...its black gold 4 sure!
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0
PeteP.Dec 29, 2005
Worst movie I've seen this year.
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6
TokyochuchuSep 18, 2013
Syriana is an interesting political movie that deals with government and oil company corruption. The scenery and atmosphere of the movie is eye catching, as Matt Damon notes when cruising through the Iranian dessert; "It's beautiful outSyriana is an interesting political movie that deals with government and oil company corruption. The scenery and atmosphere of the movie is eye catching, as Matt Damon notes when cruising through the Iranian dessert; "It's beautiful out here." Interesting as it is, the film is also overly convoluted but strangely without much character depth. There are also a few things that don't make sense (why exactly is George Clooney flagging down that car car at the end of the movie!?). Overall, Syriana was a decent night's entertainment but also smells slightly of missed opportunity.… Expand
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4
beingryanjudeSep 1, 2014
Syriana is not your everyday thriller in the Middle East. It's often intellectual and thought-provoking. Nevertheless, I found little interest beyond George Clooney--who barely held lead status.
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5
SpangleDec 25, 2014
Syriana is ultimately a mixed bag. On the positive, it is extremely well shot. I really loved the look and feel of this film and that is ultimately the thing that stood out most to me. The script from Stephen Gaghan is also very strong andSyriana is ultimately a mixed bag. On the positive, it is extremely well shot. I really loved the look and feel of this film and that is ultimately the thing that stood out most to me. The script from Stephen Gaghan is also very strong and well written, though complicated. However, it has its moments of brilliance and has very tight dialogue throughout. The casting is also very good as everybody really fit the roles they were cast in well. Finally, it certainly had a great ending packed with thrills that made build up worth it and allowed some insight into what had just transpired over the last two hours. Sadly, there are some major negatives. Firstly, the multiple storylines are interesting and enjoyable, but it stifles the acting of the great cast. Phenomenally cast, nobody is able to standout as they are barely there, so nobody has time to establish their performance. In addition, it can really slow down at times and get boring. Like, really boring. There are moments that really hook you in, but others that nearly put you to sleep, which is a problem. Most importantly, I felt like it was trying too hard to make its audience confused. I like the idea that it was purposeful, but there was very little to latch onto. Ultimately, Syriana is a very well made film with moments of brilliance that falters for the same reasons that make it good.… Expand
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8
cheeseberger11Sep 3, 2013
Syriana was a well put together movie. Although the story was difficult to follow, and I had to pause like 8 times to figure out what happened in the previous scene, it was brilliantly put together through both plot and script. Acting wasSyriana was a well put together movie. Although the story was difficult to follow, and I had to pause like 8 times to figure out what happened in the previous scene, it was brilliantly put together through both plot and script. Acting was also very good. I'm afraid not many people have seen, or understood, this movie as its puts things into perspective.… Expand
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3
PZJNov 29, 2014
Not a great movie. People say it's intellectual but it's just not that deep of a movie. Yes, it has some deeper themes than your typical hollywood movie but that's not a high bar. The movie follows too many characters with disparate stories,Not a great movie. People say it's intellectual but it's just not that deep of a movie. Yes, it has some deeper themes than your typical hollywood movie but that's not a high bar. The movie follows too many characters with disparate stories, which is what requires the attention and ability to connect plot lines, but you never get to know any of them well enough to care about what happens to anybody.… Expand
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8
alejandro970Nov 20, 2016
Reamarkable Matt Damon -and unrecognizable- George Clooney in a web about the influence of oil on the economy and global terrorism. Fiction drama nearby to real thing.
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3
mc042Mar 20, 2018
I expect to know what the movie is about after watching it for more than two hours.
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6
amheretojudgeSep 1, 2018
changed by the ones who are affected by it..

Syriana Syriana is a character driven political thriller about an oil industry whose fate is not only left up to the ones that runs it but is changed by the ones who are affected by it.changed by the ones who are affected by it..

Syriana Syriana is a character driven political thriller about an oil industry whose fate is not only left up to the ones that runs it but is changed by the ones who are affected by it. Distributed in multiple acts, the script is surprisingly gripping and keeps the audience on the edge of the seat. And even though it doesn't flow naturally as it should, the editing is quite impressive as the narration never loses its way. Ticking for two hours, and following few characters with multiple intervals, it may feel like an overstretched view and a far fetched concept. But it's layered and thought provoking ideology which it depicts through metaphorical incidents with crossover of characters and jaw dropping sequences, the feature sticks its landing safely. Gagham's projection of humane emotions might be accurate but is also poignant since it dwells on the darker side of the coin which may not be edible for everyone. The background score is pretty much flat with sharp sound effects and amazing cinematography and fine editing. The camera work is decently handled with stunning live locations that projects cultures and eye-popping cringing graphics whose credit goes to fine art designing. Clooney is doing some of his career's best work in here with Damon's calm and focused portrayal, Plummer's cunning smart act and Wright's survival spirit, all of it blending in aptly and delivering the anticipated performance from such huge cast. Gagham's adaptation is smart and adaptive and far better than his execution skills since it fails to close any sequence appropriately. Layered screenplay, accurate depiction on cultural insights and Clooney at the heart of it are the high of the feature. The craft Syriana is brimmed with, is how to foliate news into an effective and essential act, it may come with cons, but there are lots of pros.… Expand
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3
FilipeNetoNov 28, 2020
Honestly, I was waiting for something more about this film. Having been directed and written by Stephen Gaghan, an Oscar winner for his work as a screenwriter, and with names as great as George Clooney and Matt Damon, I thought it would be aHonestly, I was waiting for something more about this film. Having been directed and written by Stephen Gaghan, an Oscar winner for his work as a screenwriter, and with names as great as George Clooney and Matt Damon, I thought it would be a much better and more interesting film than it turned out to be.

The problem with this film, for me, was the overly ambitious script. The film crosses a series of stories that have in common the connection with oil, and the political, economic and interest games that are behind it: it all starts with a power conflict between two brothers, sons of a sheik. One is incapable, but is willing to allow the country's oil to be controlled by foreign companies, while the other wants to control the oil and use it for the benefit of the kingdom. When an American company is passed over by a Chinese consortium that has submitted a better offer, the United States decides to step in and send a CIA agent to the field. There is also a subplot involving a group of immigrant workers and other details to take into account. Gaghan wanted to take a step higher than his own legs and was unable to rise to the challenge he imposed on himself. The way he did the script was not happy and resulted in a disconnected, dispersed and confused story. At one point, I no longer knew the link between the characters and what was at stake, and I had to make an effort not to lose the thread. The film also makes a series of criticisms of the way oil is poorly managed as a resource and the number of conflicts on its behalf, but this turned out to be the most interesting and understandable part of the film.

The cast has strong names, but they are affected by the poor construction of their characters and the bland and uninteresting story. The connection between the characters and the audience is scarce: I just managed to have some sympathy for the reformist prince, it was the character that touched me the most and was very well played by Alexander Siddig, one of the less notable names in the film. George Clooney is another great actor and the film earned him the only Oscar he won as such (Best Supporting Actor), but it was hard for me to understand what he was doing here and, to be honest, I found it a bleak and uninteresting performance, especially if we think of other incredible films he entered ("Ocean's Eleven", "Monuments Men" etc.). The same can be said of Matt Damon, who has the strangest character in the film: a businessman who, after losing a son in an accident at the Arab prince's house, is hired by him as a form of compensation and ends up becoming his friend. There are many moral issues surrounding this subplot, and we could almost accuse this character of rising in life at the expense of the death of her own son. Indifferent to everything, Damon leaves us a bland and dormant performance. Christopher Plummer, William Hurt, Chris Cooper and Jeffrey Wright also appear in the film and do a decent job, but it is not the right film to shine and there is not much they can do to save it.

The film does not seem technically brilliant. Cinematography is good, but neither surprising nor enchanting. The sets and costumes are good and realistic, the use of real sets and filming on location was a welcome bonus, which brings an additional dose of realism and credibility. The effects used are good enough, but just that. The pace is good, and it is not because it is more than two hours length that it becomes boring. There are some intense scenes, and that includes the death of a child in an accident and a very realistic and very well done torture scene. For me, these scenes were also a bonus, as well as the use of the Arabic language, rarely used in cinema.… Expand
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8
DawdlingPoetNov 22, 2021
This is a drama film which covers themes including greed, desperation and exploitation. It is quite a sobering watch, one which could be said to rely on rather aged cliches, in as much as the Westerners trying to 'milk' the resources forThis is a drama film which covers themes including greed, desperation and exploitation. It is quite a sobering watch, one which could be said to rely on rather aged cliches, in as much as the Westerners trying to 'milk' the resources for their own financial gain/profit and the like. I did think it was somewhat eye-opening, in terms of some of the tactics used by different characters, how they reacted to certain scenarios. I thought it did well at showing both sides of the preverbial coin - how the local people dealt with things and how the foreign investers and politicians reacted and interpreted things. The film features a decent cast including George Clooney as Bob Barnes (a both quietly observant and also outspoken and motivated CIA agent), Kayvan Novak (perhaps more well known for his Channel 4 practical prank TV shows Fonejacker and Facejacker) as Arash and Christopher Plummer as Dean Whiting. Matt Damon plays Bryan Woodman, a fairly clued up agent who is under a certain amount of pressure to get a particular outcome, while also being reasonably stressed and frustrated and trying to look out for his family who reluctantly join him abroad. Amanda Peet plays his wife, Julie Woodman and Steven Hinkle plays his son Max. The full cast can be viewed via IMDB, of course - this title has a relatively long cast list, due to the large number of people who feature in it.

I felt it put across how volatile and politically fragile the regions are, quite well. There is eastern sounding music (perhaps arabic in origin?) played particularly during potentially volatile scenes which made me feel more tense, as I waited to see how things would pan out.

The camerawork was quite jerky at times and I noticed that motion was slightly exaggerated if anything, during pan shots, with walkways/paths seeming to wobble ever so slightly. Thats the only way I can think to word that really - it might not be an issue to some people but I imagine it could bother some, so I thought I may as well mention it in passing. The other, more obvious aspect or feature of this film that will put people off is the nearly constant use of subtitles. Due to this, you have to be able to concentrate on the screen for most of the film, as you'll otherwise find that your hearing foreign dialogue and may have missed some key plot details. There are the odd scene without dialogue and which is more reliant on background/incidental style music but compared to other films with mostly ocassional subtitles, this film features an awful lot of it. I'll leave it up to you to decide if thats a big issue or not. It didn't overly put me off and I realise that it would be unrealistic if all the characters spoke clear English. Goodness knows, for people who live abroad and speak other languages, they must have to read a ton of subtitles when watching US/UK films, if their not dubbed.

I thought that the film had a constant atmosphere of suspicion, I felt I was continually trying to second guess who may do what and what may be discovered. It is certainly a reasonably tense and gripping film and was a good watch on that basis. It certainly isn't a film for overly squeamish people and in a way it reminded me of the Fox TV show 24, in as far as the violence and threats were concerned. I don't think it'd be unfair to say that the term desperation applies and is clearly portrayed in this film - also fragility.

This film has quite a 'cloak and dagger' feel to it, which helped it seem a bit more engrossing, although I can't claim to have entirely followed all the plot intricacies as it did get a bit complicated, so I felt. At least I can't claim that it obviously dumbs down the subject, as that certainly doesn't seem the case but then maybe im not the most qualified person to say such - it didn't seem so to me in any case. It came across as a pretty witty and reasonably well thought out film, as far as I could tell.

I thought it was tense, with good performances by a decent cast and it was somewhat eye-opening. I can't say how accurate or otherwise it may be in reflecting the political 'status quo' at the time its set and it does feature some potentially frustratingly jerky camerawork, plus there are a lot of subtitles to read but I didn't feel that those issues ruined the film for me. It won't suit everyone but for what it is, it seemed pretty reasonable to me. I also thought the music was used quite well in key scenes to add to the tension but as far as answering the question of would I recommend it is concerned, I'd have to say that it depends on your opinion regarding subtitles and jerky camerawork. Some may find it a good watch, others less so.… Expand
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