The Infiltrator

Plot

United States Customs Service Special Agent Robert Mazur goes deep undercover in order to gain access to the underworld of money laundering to help bring down drug lord Pablo Escobar. He then goes undercover as ‘Bob Musella in what is called ‘Operation C Chase.’

Direction

Good direction from Brad Furman who perfectly encapsulates the world of the 1980s – from the costumes, to hair and makeup etc. This was all done without resorting to ‘yellowing’ the tone of the film, which gave it a more natural look.

There was one very well choreographed long shot later in the film which I thought was done well. While not the best I have seen, it was still done well, where it followed a group of characters down a flight of stairs and then across a road.l

Cast/Characters

A very large cast include, Bryan Cranston plays Robert Mazur, the Customs agent who goes undercover to help bring the cartel down. While he is very good in his role, and at times is both frightening to the audience (and in that scene where he is frightening to his wife). I did find he bordered on his Walter White role in some scenes.

John Leguizamo plays his partner Emir. I would have liked to see more from him, as he was solid in every scene he was in.

Juliet Aubrey and Diane Kruger Aubrey play the two important women in Robert’s life. Aubrey plays his wife Ev, who must both support and —- Robert in his undercover duties. Kruger plays Ertz, a fellow agent who joins his undercover operation as Musella’s fiancee.

Benjamin Bratt, Olympia Dukakis and Amy Ryan also play important characters along the way.

I would also have loved to see Ryan in more – as her character seemed to be a strong willed – but gets the least amount to do in such a congested cast.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

Co-written by the real life Robert Mazur, this is a relatively slow burn of a film. The action is sparse, and is more focused on character and narrative.

The 1980s setting is quite apt, and like many modern era films that focus on this timeframe – there are the frequent use of yellows with wooden interiors.

There are one key scene in which Robert is almost found out, and this is when he is at dinner with his wife Ev – and he must ‘play’ the other Robert in front of her when he meets with people of the underworld.

This was one such act of fiction that did not happen, but what plays on screen is a wonderful show of Cranston’s talent to turn from loving husband, to maniacal mobster in a matter of seconds.

There are, obviously ‘made for Hollywood’ moments in the film – which assist the narrative and overall film.

Overall

A solid biographical/period film, with some great performances.

Far from perfect, but it is a solid watch.

3.5/5