Those who have a weakness for British spy movies will find plenty to
like in "The Whistle Blower", a largely unheralded 1986 production that
boasts a fine performance by Michael Caine. He plays Frank Jones, a
nondescript middle-aged Brit with a somewhat convoluted background. He
was a fighter pilot in the military but his career came to an end when
he struck a superior officer. It's then implied that he went on to work
for British Intelligence in some capacity, though in reality his act of
military insubordination would probably have excluded him from that
position. When we are introduced to Frank he is a widower and owner of a
small office supply business who is paying a visit to his 28 year-old
son Bob (Nigel Havers, very good) for a low key celebration of his
offspring's birthday. It turns out that Bob is employed by Government
Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), which is a branch of the
intelligence community. Frank finds Bob to be dealing with a good deal
of pressure, both personally and professionally. He's in a romantic
relationship with a woman, Cynthia Goodburn (Felicity Dean), who has a
young daughter. Felicity is also currently married, though the film
doesn't explore her motivations for carrying on an affair with the
love-smitten Bob. Frank likes Cynthia personally but is disapproving of
the relationship. But he discovers Bob has even bigger problems. For
years he has been a Russian linguist in the agency, providing valuable
service in translating information concerning Soviet activities and
agents. He tells his father that he has uncovered some disheartening
information that ties in with revelations regarding a recent scandal
that caused embarrassment for the GCHQ when a Soviet agent had been
revealed to have been working in the agency for a decade before being
caught. Bob is alarmed by an atmosphere of paranoia at the agency in the
wake of the scandal. All employees are being encouraged to keep track
of their colleagues' activities and to report any suspicions regarding
anyone whose allegiance might be questionable. Bob, an idealist, rejects
this and has come to the conclusion that, based on other information he
has uncovered, that British Intelligence and their American allies are
every bit as brutal as the KGB. Frank dismisses the concerns and
encourages Bob to stay on the job rather than resign in protest.
Nigel Havers and Michael Caine.
Things get murky when Bob is reported to have died in a tragic home
accident. Frank immediately suspects that Bob was killed by his own
agency to prevent him from revealing some information that might
compromise the GCHQ's already tarnished reputation. He begins his own
investigation and, as these things generally play out in
conspiracy-themed movies, finds that he can trust no one, even old
colleagues and friends. As Frank doggedly pursues the truth, he finds
his own life in danger as well as those of Cynthia and her daughter.
Director Simon Langton (his only feature film) keeps Julian Bond's talky
but interesting script moving at a brisk pace. Refreshingly, the
character of Frank is never miraculously transformed into an action
hero. In fact, there is very little action or violence in the entire
film. Caine gives a terrific, understated performance. His trademark wit
doesn't get much opportunity to be displayed in this somber story but
he does provide a healthy dose of his character's Harry Palmer-like
cynicism in regard all aspects of the spy game. He gets able support
from a fine cast that includes esteemed veteran actors like James Fox,
Gordon Jackson (his final film), John Gielgud (in a pivotal cameo) and
Barry Foster (superb as an old military service crony of Frank's who may
or may not be involved in deception.)
The film is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. There is also a Kino Lorber Blu-ray and the transfer is right up to the company's usual excellent
standards. The only bonus feature is a nice gallery of trailers for
other KL releases starring Caine, although, curiously, "The Whistle
Blower" trailer is not among them.