An expert explains how the 2007 spy thriller Breach accurately depicts its true story. Directed and co-written by Billy Ray, who went on to write Captain Phillips and Richard Jewell, the 2007 spy thriller is based on the true story of Robert Hanssen, an FBI agent who was convicted of spying for the Soviet Union and later Russia for over two decades, and Eric O'Neill, the FBI investigator who instrumental in his downfall. The movie stars Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillippe, Laura Linney, Dennis Haysbert, Caroline Dhavernas, Gary Cole, and Kathleen Quinlan.
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In a video from Insider, former double agent Naveed Jamali rated spy scenes in movies and TV shows for realism, including the 2007 spy thriller Breach. He says the film accurately portrays the true story of Robert Hanssen, emphasizing its emotional depth, and goes on to explain the ongoing challenges of modern espionage. Overall, he rated Breach a 9/10 for realism. Read his full comments or watch the portion of the video below (the relevant section beginning at 23:56):
Breach is based on a very true event, true story, I should say. It's based on Robert Hanssen, who was actually an FBI counterintelligence agent actually stationed here in New York. And he was and he has been described as one of the worst spies against the United States in our history. I mean, personally, I think he's a son of a b----. There was that moment where, you know, people like him caused people like us to literally die.
The FBI is the lead agency when it comes to counterintelligence, in most cases. Counterintelligence is so important because the intelligence activities of foreign countries in the United States has, I believe, become even more pronounced. The change that I have seen versus my time doing this. So what has shifted with the Russian and places like China is that they're relying more on people that are less easily identifiable as intelligence officers, essentially, or in some cases, coming here as what's known as NOCs, non-official cover. So they're coming here, integrating, and collecting intelligence. And it's much, much harder to identify them, let alone do anything against it legally. I think what the FBI desperately needs is young people who have enthusiasm and an interest in innovation. I'm going to give this a nine because I think that they, you know, it's a factual story. I think they get the emotion right.
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It Accurately Depicts Its True Story
Naveed Jamali says Breach is an accurate depiction of the true story of Robert Hanssen, one of the most infamous spies in U.S. history. He emphasizes the film's emotional depth and the serious consequences of such betrayals, which "caused people like [him] to literally die." He goes on to discuss the evolving nature of espionage, in which foreign intelligence agencies are increasingly using non-official covers, making it harder to detect and counter their activities, and believes the FBI needs young, innovative, and enthusiastic recruits to address these challenges.
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While Jamali describes Breach as an accurate depiction of the true story of Robert Hanssen, it does make several changes to Eric O'Neill's story, the FBI upstart investigating him. Unlike the real O'Neill, who was aware of the investigation into Hanssen, the film introduces a fabricated cover story involving sexual perversions. Additionally, it depicts several personal interactions between O'Neill and Hanssen that never occurred, including home visits and a scene in the woods involving a gun. O'Neill also never saw Hanssen after his arrest.
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Our Take On Breach's Depiction Of Its True Story
It's Accurate Despite Some Creative Liberties
Breach, despite some changes to Eric O'Neill's story, accurately depicts the true story of Robert Hanssen. The film skillfully intertwines fact and fiction to tell the harrowing story of the FBI agent whose betrayal had devastating implications and, while it does take some creative liberties, it remains grounded in the emotional gravity of Hanssen's actions. This, fueled by Chris Cooper's exceptional performance, allows Breach to provide a gripping and intense portrayal of the FBI's most notorious traitor.
Source: Insider
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Breach
PG-13
Mystery
Thriller
Breach is a 2007 espionage thriller directed by Billy Ray. Starring Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillippe, and Laura Linney, the film is based on the true story of FBI agent Robert Hanssen, who was convicted of spying for the Soviet Union. The narrative follows young FBI operative Eric O'Neill as he is assigned to work under Hanssen and ultimately expose his betrayal. The film meticulously explores themes of deception and loyalty.
- Director
- Billy Ray
- Release Date
- February 16, 2007
- Studio(s)
- Sidney Kimmel Entertainment
- Distributor(s)
- Universal Pictures
- Writers
- Billy Ray , Adam Mazer , William Rotko
- Cast
- Chris Cooper , Ryan Phillippe , Laura Linney , Dennis Haysbert , Caroline Dhavernas , Gary Cole , Kathleen Quinlan
- Runtime
- 110 Minutes
- Budget
- $23 Million
- Main Genre
- Thriller