saw: syriana
Stephen Gaghan's clearly an intelligent guy, but the sophistication he exhibits here elevates him to Steven Zaillian-status in my mind. And just like Zaillian's classy, underrated A Civil Action, Syriana isn't getting nearly the kudos it deserves. Merging the informed immediacy of a documentary with the fit and finish of big-budget cinema is a rare achievement. Syriana is a study in cool, compassionate filmmaking. (Also: will someone please nominate Jeffrey Wright for an Oscar already?) Grade: A-