With the end of the North Africa campaign in sight, Allied commanders turn their attention to Europe. They plan to invade the island of Sicily, as a stepping stone to mainland Italy - something the Germans will anticipate. In order to convince the Nazi high command that the target is actually Greece, British intelligence launch one of the most audacious deception plans in history. One that involved floating a dead body in military uniform, and with a briefcase full of fake documents, off the coast of Spain and into the hands of the enemy.
To hear that a dead man was used during World War 2 to deceive the Germans in a massive deception plan borders on ludicrous. It quite literally sounds like something out of a Hollywood movie, which of course it now is. But the more you think about it, the more ingenious it sounds. That's what comes across in John Madden's take on these incredible events, itself based on the gripping book by historian Ben Macintyre, and all cleverly narrated by a young Ian Fleming (Johnny Flynn). It's a very authentic feeling depiction of espionage, as our heroes go to great lengths to bring a dead man to life. The first thing that will strike you is just how complicated it is to put such a simple-sounding plan like this into action. How does one even go about acquiring a dead body? Cue a quirky final performance from the wonderful Paul Ritter. However, this is just one of many questions that must be answered before our plucky band can get their plan the thumbs up from the powers that be.
Madden really has done a fantastic job of capturing the "Keep Calm & Carry On" attitude that so many displayed in the face of great peril. Except this story comes from an entirely different front. That of the secret war, in which an army of men and women worked in the shadows to chip away at the Nazi war machine. By it's very nature this is a side of war that the general populace know fairly little about, making a story like this all the more fascinating. And in this respect the movie certainly doesn't disappoint. A fantastic cast bring these unknown soldiers to life as they try to cover every angle and anticipate every possible outcome in their attempts to deceive the enemy. On top of which, Simon Russell Beale delivers a delightfully pugnacious performance as Winston Churchill - it was good to see him arguing with Jason Isaacs' Admiral Godfrey after their previous collaboration on The Death of Stalin, only this time the tables are very much turned. The whole thing really is quite astounding; the details that had to be considered and the lengths they had to go to in order to pull this off, not to mention the consequences of failure, and the pressure that must have brought (something that is visible in every performance). Needless to say, the movie is a testament to the hard work and determination of the intelligence services during these dark times.
That said, I can't help feeling that this story would be better served as a miniseries. At times it felt like the movie was skimming over the details, as if it was trying to move quickly to the "delivery" of the fictional Major Bill Martin and his briefcase, but even that felt rushed. So much so that the complications that arose from said delivery are pretty much forgotten. The same goes for the actions of the recipients of Major Martin, and the German spies who were so desperate to meet him. In fact, what goes on in Spain after the body is found borders on confusing - especially for anyone unfamiliar with the story - as a whole bunch of new players enter the game and we're left scrabbling to remember who they are, as events fly by in double quick time. Even the curious subplot involving the communist brother of one of Operation Mincemeat's major players is paid mere lip service, while a rather unnecessary love triangle takes centre stage. All of which leaves the movie feeling a little crammed, and possibly even a little long.
A gripping tale of espionage and deception. Operation Mincemeat - both the movie and the operation itself - is as ludicrous as it is fascinating. Although at times it does feel like a mere summary of this incredible chain of events, in which we skim over much of the detail.
7/10
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I'll have to give this one a watch. The story was told before though in the 1956 movie THE MAN WHO NEVER WAS.
ReplyDeleteYes it was. That was based on the book by Ewen Montagu, who was apparently restricted by British intelligence over what he could include because it was all still classified. Do let me know what you think of Operation Mincemeat when you see it.
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