Confidential Agent

Striking, literate adaptation of Graham Greene's novel which takes its tone from Boyer's tired, ageing secret agent (in reality a musician) sent to England in 1937 by the Spanish Loyalists to sabotage a Fascist business deal. Shumlin's direction is inclined to be lethargic (a distinguished stage producer, he made only two movies), but is more than made up for by Wong Howe's moody lighting, which perfectly captures the twilit world of people living constantly in fear. A marvellous cast makes it a must anyway.