Hasitha Fernando with ten essential conspiracy thrillers…
Conspiracy thrillers are a sub-genre of film that kick-started with the likes of The Manchurian Candidate and The Ipcress File, eventually flourishing in the 70s with bonafide hits such as Three Days of the Condor, All the President’s Men, Marathon Man and Executive Action. The movies were primarily based around people’s general distrust of their governments and the shady things they had the impunity to do. Inspired by that era’s provocative filmmaking and the anti-government sentiments they explored, a new generation of filmmakers have crafted some exemplary modern conspiracy thrillers in the decades since, and here are the essentials…
JFK (1991)
Oliver Stone’s JFK could essentially be described as the mother of all modern conspiracy thrillers. Epic in scope and ambitious in the subject matter it tackles the movie possesses the rare gift of holding the viewers unwavering attention through its whopping 188-minute runtime. Based on Jim Garrison’s book On the Trail of the Assassin and Jim Marrs’ novel Crossfire: The Plot That Killed Kennedy, the story examines the investigation into the assassination of John F. Kennedy by district attorney Jim Garrison, who shunned the lone gunman theory and believed that an intricately planned conspiracy was responsible for Kennedy’s death. With a stacked cast lead by Kevin Costner, ably assisted by the likes of Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Oldman, Joe Pesci and Donald Sutherland this is a modern-day classic you would not want to miss.
The Fugitive (1993)
The feature film adaptation of the popular TV series headlined by Harrison Ford and supported by Tommy Lee Jones proved to be a bonafide hit with critics and audiences alike, upon its release. Jones’ performance in particular received universal acclaim and was thus rewarded the Best Supporting Actor award on multiple awards s ceremonies. Like the TV show the movie’s main narrative revolves around the wrongly accused Dr. Richard Kimble on a run from the law, while trying to find the real murderer – a one armed man. However, it is the brilliant sub-plot woven into the storyline that makes it a thought-provoking watch. An action thriller of the first water, The Fugitive is an absolute must see.
Enemy of the State (1998)
A taut political thriller influenced by the likes of Brian de Palma’s Blow Out and Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation, Enemy of the State features a duet of compelling performances from Will Smith and Gene Hackman, as well as, a superb original script crafted by writer David Marconi. In a lot of ways, the suspenseful story brilliantly foreshadows the controversial policies brought forth during the aftermath of 9/11, and makes us question whether ‘the end truly justifies the means’ when it comes to a nation’s security. A movie that is as relevant today, as it was two decades prior, Enemy of the State is an edge-of-the-seat conspiracy thriller unlike any other.
The Bourne Identity (2002)
The first entry in the critically lauded action franchise, The Bourne Identity rekindled people’s interest in conspiracy thrillers, while introducing audiences to a new action star – Matt Damon. A very loose adaptation of Robert Ludlum’s seminal 80s spy fiction novel, the movie instead capitalizes on the world’s post- 9/11 paranoia by focusing on a larger government conspiracy concerning spies and their illicit activities on foreign soil. The retooled story, therefore, functions simultaneously as a timely political commentary of the era, and a top-notch actioner which delivers in spades and has endless rewatchable value. And yeah, checkout the sequels too while you’re at it.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
While Captain America: The First Avenger was a pulpy retro-vibe action adventure its sequel was anything but. Community stalwarts Joe and Anthony Russo claimed early on in production that Captain America: The Winter Soldier would playout like a classic conspiracy thriller, heavily influenced by the likes of Three Days of the Condor and All the President’s Men, and the talented duo certainly delivered on that promise. The flick is the rare cerebral superhero blockbuster that packs a proverbial – Vibranium armed – punch, effectively juggling sociopolitical commentary, an intriguing narrative and blockbuster action spectacle.
Conspiracy Theory (1997)
How can one compile a list of modern conspiracy thrillers and not include this gem? Conspiracy Theory stars Mel Gibson, as a conspiracy theory peddling cabbie who gets more than he bargained for when one of his farfetched theories turns out to be, shockingly true. Penned by L.A Confidential’s Brian Helgeland the movie is one heck of an entertaining yarn which keeps you guessing from start to finish, replete with an unhinged, stark-raving-mad performance by Gibson. So, put on your tin foil hats and give this one a whirl, if you haven’t already seen it.
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
The remake of the 1962 classic of the same name, courtesy of The Silence of the Lambs helmer Jonathan Demme, sees the communist country – in the original novel and movie – being swapped for a sinister multinational company and the Gulf War replacing the Korean conflict. Although these details have been changed, the essential themes and overall narrative arc remains largely the same. Throw in some fine performances by Hollywood’s heavy hitters like Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Jon Voight and Liev Schrieber, and you have a thoroughly engrossing affair that is certainly worth your time.
The Insider (1999)
The Insider may have less to do with malicious government conspiracies but that doesn’t make this tale any less scary. In a nutshell the story concerns a firebrand TV producer on 60 Minutes teaming up with a corporate executive, to take down Big Tobacco. Al Pacino and Russell Crowe are utterly mesmerizing in their respective roles, but it’s the stunningly crafted fictionalized account, based on the real-life 60 Minutes segment of tobacco industry whistleblower Jefferey Wigand, and Michael Mann’s incomparable vision and direction that transforms this effort into something special. Great stuff.
The Ghost Writer (2010)
Probably the least recognizable title on this list, but still an excellent watch nonetheless, The Ghost Writer is an adaptation of the 2007 politically charged novel The Ghost by best-selling novelist Robert Harris. The characters and the primary story do bear certain ‘similarities’ to erstwhile British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the controversies that surrounded him during the latter part of his tenure, but I’ll leave that for you to decide. Chock full of talent in front of and behind the camera, The Ghost Writer is an oft overlooked gem that definitely deserves a look see.
The International (2009)
If you thought the world of banking is a boring, uninspiring one filled with mundane day-to-day tasks, then perhaps this movie will make you think different. Inspired by the Bank of Credit and Commerce International scandal of the 80s, the film explores the intricate machinations of a corrupt financial organization and how it influences world politics through its shady deals. Both Clive Owen and Naomi Watts are in top form, and along with the engrossing narrative and stylish direction The International makes for a damn fine viewing experience.
Hasitha Fernando is a part-time medical practitioner and full-time cinephile. Follow him on Twitter via @DoctorCinephile for regular updates on the world of entertainment.
