'The Amateur' Redefines Spy Thrillers with a Modern, Vulnerable Hero
Rami Malek stars as a CIA computer specialist turned reluctant operative in a film that critiques institutional corruption and reimagines espionage for the 21st century.
- The film, directed by James Hawes, adapts Robert Littell's 1981 Cold War novel into a contemporary political thriller addressing modern-day espionage and corruption.
- Rami Malek portrays Charlie Heller, a CIA computer specialist whose quest for justice after his wife's murder leads him to uncover internal malpractices within the agency.
- The narrative critiques traditional espionage tropes by focusing on a protagonist who relies on intellect and technology rather than physical prowess or invincibility.
- Key plot points involve Charlie exposing his superior's involvement in unauthorized drone strikes, highlighting themes of institutional accountability and personal morality.
- The film reflects on the evolving landscape of political thrillers, questioning the plausibility of traditional 'happy endings' in a complex and morally ambiguous world.
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Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung 
Augsburger Allgemeine 