Hamm has been trying to find success on the big screen since his fantastic run as an advertising bad boy in the deservedly acclaimed “Mad Men”. His portrayal of Don Draper is one for the ages and I am sure that this award winning series will be viewed for years to come.
He landed a few noteworthy roles in two terrific films, “The Town” and “Baby Driver”, but neither cast him as the lead actor. In “Beirut” he gets his chance, and he does not squander it. While not a perfect performance, Hamm shines enough to guarantee future leading man opportunities.
The film opens in 1972 Beirut with Hamm regaling his guests along with his beautiful wife at a cocktail party at his home. He is a high level diplomat/negotiator and by all accounts is great at his job. The evening turns into the worst of his life and the film fast forwards to Boston ten years later where Hamm (Mason Skiles) is struggling with his booze habit, while trying to mediate nasty labor union/management issues.
Out of the blue he is approached to return to Beirut to assist in the release of a CIA operative and friend from his days there. He has no intention of ever returning but when he learns that his friend’s life is at stake he relents.
The film is action packed with more than a few twists and turns. There is apparently controversy that the movie was filmed in Morocco instead of Lebanon but really, who cares. Scores of films are shot on locations other than the actual one for all kinds of reasons, most often money.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film with its sharp dialog and intriguing plot. “Rosamund Pike (“Gone Girl”) is excellent as a CIA veteran who helps to guide Skiles through the dangerous mission. The cast is top notch as is writer Tony Gilroy’s script. He wrote “Michael Clayton” with George Clooney and has contributed his writing prowess to the “Bourne” series as well.
If you’re looking for an old school thriller to fill a dreary afternoon or evening you won’t go wrong taking in “Beirut”.
