I read somewhere that this film is loosely based on someone's biography, but I can no longer find that reference, nor the person's name.
Is that true, that this film is "true story" (albeit Hollywoodized)?
Wikipedia says "The Good Shepherd is loosely based on Angleton's life and his role in the formation of the CIA." but this film reminded me of William Colby in the documentary "The Man Nobody Knew"
Even when Hollywood states that a film is based on true events or someone's life they get it completely wrong, so I doubt it. This movie had no point, no plot, no historical value ... it's a waste of time ... besides being truly boring.
shareI would say it was based on a series of true events but its not all true. Billy Crudup's character is based on spies like Kim Philby.
Its that man again!!
It's based loosely on the life of James Jesus Angelton, that's the Damon character. IMHO.
Wilson is definitely portraying the first chief of counter-intelligence of the CIA. This is no opinion. The parallels are too plain to see.
Loosely is probably apt. If De Niro attempted to really tell us the truth, then it would like much more like this:
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2014/06/09/ordered-suppressed-the-other-cold-war/
I will give the film credit for a few things, particularly these lines from these scenes:
[scene set in '39 and '42 at creation of the OSS]
Clover Wilson: [after the first order of business refers to Skull and bones and the second is a relgious invocation] Bonesmen first, God second.
[scene set in early 1960, over a decade since the creation of the CIA]
Clover Wilson: [after the first order of business refers to Skull and bones and the second is a relgious invocation] The Agency first, God second.
So yes, the Skull & Bones and the CIA are one and the same. The 11th DCI clearly a Bonesman. There were many subtle hints of accuracy throughout the film. Difficult to pick them up, unless one has done some research. Allow me to help. You will need to read "Rulers of Evil" by F. Tupper Saussy. Then the following scenes will make more since:
Bill Sullivan: I'll be looking for patriotic, honorable, bright young men from the right backgrounds to manage the various departments. In other words, no Jews or Negroes, and very few Catholics, and that's only because I'm a Catholic.
Here, Sullivan portrays Col. William Joseph ("Wild Bill") Donovan. The father of the OSS and the CIA.
Also this:
Philip Allen: You are going to have to learn, and as quickly and thoroughly as possible, the English system of intelligence, the black arts, particularly counterintelligence - the uses of information, disinformation, and how their use is ultimately... power. They have agreed to open up their operations to us - they can't win the war without us - but they don't really want us here... Intelligence is their mother's milk, and they don't like sharing the royal tit with people that don't have titles.
When you connect these dots, then one will more appreciate this "intel dump" by Gordon Duff:
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2013/02/13/intel-dump-wednesday-february-13-2012/
The real spook that spilled the real beans on Angelton in the first link given.
Oh, this scene is most true:
Edward Wilson: [Negotiating with an aging mobster] I could take the government off your back if you could help us,
Joseph Palmi: You're the guys that scare me. You're the people that make big wars.
Edward Wilson: No, we make sure the wars are small ones, Mr. Palmi.
Palmi being portrayed via Pesci. Read "Dope, Inc." to understand what the CIA really does. Gordon does not shy away from this at all.
Interesting references, many thanks.
anybody interested in this should also watch "Cambridge Spies" and "The Company".
Also read "Spycatcher" by Peter Wright,