Traitor globetrots around the world to Sudan, Yemen, London, Nice, Spain, Canada, and the United States in an intricate maze of undercover operations involving the FBI, CIA, and terrorist factions. Written and directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff and based on a concept by Steve Martin, the film explores a dangerous international conspiracy that seems to center around one man: Samir Horn (Don Cheadle).
The Story of Traitor
A former U.S. Special Operations officer who watched his father die in a car bombing, Horn remains a devout Muslim, whose cultural differences may or may not have led to leaving his job and the United States. A mysterious man with connections to terrorist organizations and an uncanny ability to elude those pursuing him, Horn becomes part of a terrorist group and befriends Omar (Said Taghmaoui), an enthusiastic and charismatic character.
Hounded by the FBI and CIA, Horn’s loyalties are unknown to American authorities and to the terrorist group with whom he has sworn allegiance – a group whose belief is that “Terrorism is theater for the American audience.” U.S. agents watch his every move, and his comrades suspect him whenever plans go astray. Suspected by everyone of being a traitor, he does whatever is necessary to promote his own personal cause.
Talented Cast in Traitor
Cheadle plays Horn as an extremely sympathetic character. Despite his violent activities, he remains likeable and honorable in his own way. A mixture of brains and brawn, his relationship with Omar parallels the relationship between the two FBI agents. Omar represents the physical, with Horn (who gets violent only in self-defense) offering sound reasoning and rational thought to their discussions. Similarly, FBI Agent Roy Clayton (Guy Pearce) provides the logic and intelligence (using force only when he has to), while his partner, Max Archer (Neal McDonough), uses brute strength to get what he wants.
These four central characters are the most clearly defined and enjoyable to watch. Other secondary characters with no background stories whatsoever, include a shady CIA agent (Jeff Daniels), terrorist leader Fareed (Aly Khan), and Horn’s girlfriend (Archie Panjabi), who blend into the background without generating much audience interest. Although the film contains explosions, fighting, and shooting, the story and characters (rather than the violence and special effects) make Traitor stand out among recent thrillers.
In addition to the four standout performances, a fabulous plot twist (reportedly in the original concept that Martin pitched to the producers) will be what people remember most about this film.
- Traitor
- Director: Jeffrey Nachmanoff
- Rating: PG-13 (intense violent sequences, thematic material and brief language)
For more information about the production of Traitor, read Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce in Traitor.
