Thomas Fowler (Michael Kane) observes that to an American Alden Pyle (Brandom Fraser) saving a country was the same as saving a woman. Much of the film uses this metaphor with amazing effect. Mr. Fraser is the quite American in the title however the irony of the film exposes how loud a quite American really is.
This film based on a powerful novel by Graham Greene is about the introduction of American interest in Vietnam. Mr. Greene is masterful in weaving this complex plot of deception and intrigue. The parable being that good intentions are often the cause of all round disaster.
Michael Kane is excellent, after a long time, in a role that does not come as easily to him as some of the others have in recent times. He is a reporter -- he cliams -- he does not take sides -- he just reports. As the film moves along, his love for the Vietnamese woman and her attraction for Pyle and his disgust with American intervention finally forces him to take sides -- 'you need to sometimes, if you want to remain human' -- his aide tells him.
Mr. Fraser would appear as a wrong choice initially. However, I feel he is the perfect choice. He is almost a physical giant among everyone is Vietnam but is also a simpleton. He is powerful yet unaware -- a perfect example of your average American intention.
Australian director, Mr. Noyce who has a penchant for making interesting thrillers (Dead Calm, Blind Fury, Saint, etc.), has merged his skills with the undercurrent of political statement quite well.
Quite American is very topical indeed as topical as applie pie -- if I may say so?
This film based on a powerful novel by Graham Greene is about the introduction of American interest in Vietnam. Mr. Greene is masterful in weaving this complex plot of deception and intrigue. The parable being that good intentions are often the cause of all round disaster.
Michael Kane is excellent, after a long time, in a role that does not come as easily to him as some of the others have in recent times. He is a reporter -- he cliams -- he does not take sides -- he just reports. As the film moves along, his love for the Vietnamese woman and her attraction for Pyle and his disgust with American intervention finally forces him to take sides -- 'you need to sometimes, if you want to remain human' -- his aide tells him.
Mr. Fraser would appear as a wrong choice initially. However, I feel he is the perfect choice. He is almost a physical giant among everyone is Vietnam but is also a simpleton. He is powerful yet unaware -- a perfect example of your average American intention.
Australian director, Mr. Noyce who has a penchant for making interesting thrillers (Dead Calm, Blind Fury, Saint, etc.), has merged his skills with the undercurrent of political statement quite well.
Quite American is very topical indeed as topical as applie pie -- if I may say so?