Sunday, March 04, 2007
"BREACH"
Matt C. Abbott reviews the movie:
On March 3, I saw Breach, the feature film based on the true story of former FBI agent Robert Hanssen, who was sentenced to life in prison for spying for the Russians.
I thought I would offer a few observations on the film and its subject matter.
Hanssen, as many people are likely aware, is/was a Catholic, and specifically a member of Opus Dei. He was a family man, outwardly committed to his faith and loved ones, but, inwardly, a twisted, perverted individual. In addition to betraying his country, he betrayed his wife by secretly videotaping their marital relations and letting others view it.
Hanssen obviously did not practice what he preached. At all.
And the film, directed by Billy Ray and starring Chris Cooper, certainly shows that Hanssen liked to preach.
"Do you pray the rosary every day?" he sternly asks FBI agent Eric O'Neill (played by Ryan Phillippe) in one scene. "Not every day, sir," replies O'Neill.
"You should," says Hanssen.
Again, outwardly, a faithful Catholic.
Continue reading...
I tried to see it the other day, but the ticket line was so long that I would have missed the first part of the movie. I'll try again.
While you're over there, click the link Abbott has provided at the end of his review (or use this one) to an article about the travesty the bishops have cooked up with Ohio legislators to address the statute of limitations exemption for victims of clergy sexual abuse. The 18 month clock for this began running last November. The parishes were supposed to be notified. I'm at Mass every Sunday. This is the first I've heard about it.
