"Deep Secret"

Author(s): Matt
Location: Illinois

"Deep Secret"

Directed By: Anthony Minghella
Written By: Anthony Minghella

Main Cast

Brian Cox as Mark Felt
Chloe Sevigny as Joan Felt
Ian Holm as Carl Bernstein
Robert Duvall as Bob Woodward
Ewan McGregor as Younger Mark Felt
Jason Schwartzman as Younger Carl Bernstein
Brendan Fehr as Younger Bob Woodward
Dakota Fanning as Younger Joan Felt
Robert Downey Jr. as Benjamin C. Bradley
Dermot Mulroney as John D. O’Connor

Tagline: "America’s greatest secret identity is about to be hidden to even the man himself"

Synopsis: The most infamous and secretive informant waits for two reporters in a darkened parking garage. The only light is coming from his cigarette. Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward approach and ask about the robbery of the Democratic Headquarters. The man in the shadows gives an alias, Deep Throat, as well as loads of information linking the President to the scandal.

For years after the incident, the American population and media have speculated and questioned the identity of Deep Throat. His actions went unknown by his co-workers in the FBI, and three decades after the Watergate break-in, the man’s family remained in the dark.

A couple of years ago, however, as Mark Felt’s memory began to deteriorate, he thought that it was his duty to come out and announce that he was not only a member of the FBI, but also the ominous character, Deep Throat. His daughter was unsure if she could trust her father, who had recently been diagnosed and overcome by Alzheimer’s. Deciding to be safe rather than sorry, she gets into contact with another investigator, John D. O’Connor and dives into her father’s past. O’Connor and the young woman meet with the famed reporters who brought the Watergate scandal to light. Joan Felt is extremely surprised at what she uncovers. Her father, Mark, had a reputation for speaking with reporters and a known friendship with Bob Woodward. He had leaked federal information more than once, but never to the extent of the Watergate. Joan, later, has to deal with being proud that her father had helped solve one of the most well-known Presidential controversies, while also being ashamed that her father had betrayed his fellow members of the FBI and his president. Joan must also overcome the backlash and the media storm on her own, as her father has continued to fall deeper into blankness. While coping with his disease, Mark has to manage the anxiety of never having been completely honest with his daughter, the rest of his family, and his country.

What the Press would say:

This film is unlike any historical or political film ever made. Anthony Minghella took a great news story and created a screenplay so focused on the characters, rather than the events, that the movie is less of a history lesson than a character study. Only Minghella could then translate his dialogue onto the screen with superb direction that tops earlier work, like The Talented Mr. Ripley. The film does show some of the necessary scenes, such as the parking garage, but these scenes are done in a stylized and exciting way. Such scenes contain terrific, yet small, appearances by Jason Schwatrzman and the little known Brendan Fehr. Ewan McGregor does a fantastic job in his scenes with the brilliant Dakota Fanning. Their relationship is all the more touching after watching the older versions of their characters relate on screen. Brian Cox, who plays the older Mark Felt, finally needs some recognition. After years of underrated performances, he deserves to be rewarded for this magnificent performance. Cox is fantastic at playing the Alzheimer’s patient, but he still has the edge to allow the audience to believe he was at one time a member of the FBI and Deep Throat. Chloe Sevigny as Felt’s daughter is just a tour de force. She expands her talent and shines in this lead role. Without her amazing portrayal of the confused, worried, loving daughter the film would not have been as memorable. However, other legendary actors also give respectable performances. Ian Holm, Robert Duvall, and Robert Downey Jr. are all amazing. Dermot Mulroney gives his first great performance as an investigator doing all that he can to figure out if Mark Felt truly is what he admitted to being. His interviews with two of the legendary actors mentioned above really make for interesting and profound scenes. All in all, the cast and Minghella really pull through, and make this a film that everyone can get invested in.

Possible Oscar Nominations

Best Picture
Best Director – Anthony Minghella
Best Original Screenplay – Anthony Minghella
Best Actor – Brian Cox
Best Actress – Chloe Sevigny
Best Supporting Actor – Ewan McGregor
Best Supporting Actor – Robert Duvall
Best Supporting Actor – Ian Holm