No. 68 (2018) Beirut August 8th.

Film No. 68 (2018) August 8th.  9:00 PM EVENT Cinemas Innaloo.                        

"He's damaged goods but he's manageable." (American diplomats discuss the reason Mason Skiles may benefit a means to their ends for a key situation in Beirut). 

Beirut is a well written film, if slightly dry and partially cliched in its delivery. My fascination began with the dated travelogue footage of Beirut in all its splendour, prior to it becoming the war torn zone that is so recognisable now. We meet Mason Stiles (John Hamm) in the paradise that was Beirut in 1972. Stiles is a key U.S. attache and diplomat with a good heart, too good a heart it would seem. A tragic incident takes place, a part of the beginnings of middle eastern troubles; he's left broken and we meet him again 10 years later back in the U.S. It is here the story begins; he's needed again by the government in Beirut to help solve a dangerous hostage situation. He's connected to the perpetrators highlighted in the opening scenes. There, I've said enough. Hamm and Rosamund Pike work well together in this tight, dialogue driven drama. 9GUMS.