Analysis: Good Shepherd (SPOILER)

First, I just saw it for my week's review (also saw Night at the Museum but I think I'd review Good Shepherd instead).

Second, I like the film. Very thought-provoking, even though I think the pace could have been brisker. It's also intriguing to see how the CIA came to be... (even though the characters might be fictional)

Third, I am confused. The spy part of the plot confuses me and I'd like some clarification from those who have seen it. I have a difficult time figuring out who is who and who is good or bad. I think that's the point of the movie, that friends may be foes and foes may be friends, but as an audience I got really confused.

I am not sure if I like Matt Demon's character, but I understand the main themes and the journeys he took. William Hurt's like summed it all up: "Why do men like us work in a job that pays nothing and requires us to constantly look over our shoulders?" There are many more quotable quotes, including this one: "I'm a real American; the rest of you just visit."

It's also great to see some notable cameos: Keir Dullea as the Senator, Timothy Hutton as Damon's father, and Joe Pesci as an informant.

Great film. I just need to really understand the plot and I'm set.

That's why I liked The Departed because even though there were lots of twists and turns, I had a clear understanding of who the good and bad guys were.