Fair Game Review

Script and Screenplay
The screenplay of Fair Game (written by Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth) – based on Valerie Plame’s autobiography, Fair Game – is a masterpiece. It not only tells well a true story of great valour and courage in the face of adversities, but also manages to entertain the audience. The screenplay has it all – drama, emotions and action – yet, it successfully comes across as the portrayal of truth. The narration uses a lot of archival footage but it is done so well that one hardly notices the differences. The drama seems real and so do most of the characters, well-etched out as they are.

Star Performances
Naomi Watts’ performance is very good. And while this might not be Sean Penn’s best performance, he shines. Liraz Charhi and David Andrews, as Scooter Libby, do well. Indian actor Anand Tiwari excels in the small role of a Malaysian citizen. Joseph Middleton’s casting is good.

Direction and Editing
Director Doug Liman does a fine job, maintaining a fine balance between the story of Valerie and Wilson, and the larger picture, the inner machinations of the US administration. A few scenes stay with the audience – Sean Penn’s emotional outburst and Naomi Watts’ climactic testimony. John Powell’s background score and Liman’s edgy camerawork complement the narrative style. Film editing by Christopher Tellefsen is crisp.

The Last Word
On the whole, Fair Game is a well-made film and an entertaining historical expose, something that tells us how big government and big money work, but it has limited appeal and will not be easily understood by the laymen. At the Indian box-office, it doesn’t stand much of a chance.