I have seen many movies about actual espionage cases, such as the Cambridge Five or Robert Hassen stories. But Traitor Within tops them all. This movie does not dramatize the story unnecessarily. It doesn't add flair to make the story more interesting. Nevertheless the movie is riveting and interesting.
Especially it does a great job of explaining why Ames turned to selling out U.S. secrets to the Russians. I saw several versions of Robert Hanssen movies, but none of them really explained why he did what he did. Also the Cambridge Five movies over-emphasized womanizing and side details. But the Traitor Within hit the nail on the head: Ames had money problems, he had an expensive wife to maintain, and he was alienated in the CIA. Furthermore, he discovered that his own father, who also had worked for the CIA, had not fit in with the CIA and had received poor assessment for his work.
Also the movie does a great job portraying the inner psychology of Ames. How he fears that he might be discovered. How he fears that a Soviet defector might recognize him. How he's afraid of a polygraph test. Ames had to betray more agents in order to protect himself.
Considering the quality of the movie, I am surprised that this movie has not enjoyed better reviews and wider acclaim. For some reason people seem more interested in Robert Hanssen story, but Ames' betrayal of the CIA was more interesting as a spy drama.
Especially it does a great job of explaining why Ames turned to selling out U.S. secrets to the Russians. I saw several versions of Robert Hanssen movies, but none of them really explained why he did what he did. Also the Cambridge Five movies over-emphasized womanizing and side details. But the Traitor Within hit the nail on the head: Ames had money problems, he had an expensive wife to maintain, and he was alienated in the CIA. Furthermore, he discovered that his own father, who also had worked for the CIA, had not fit in with the CIA and had received poor assessment for his work.
Also the movie does a great job portraying the inner psychology of Ames. How he fears that he might be discovered. How he fears that a Soviet defector might recognize him. How he's afraid of a polygraph test. Ames had to betray more agents in order to protect himself.
Considering the quality of the movie, I am surprised that this movie has not enjoyed better reviews and wider acclaim. For some reason people seem more interested in Robert Hanssen story, but Ames' betrayal of the CIA was more interesting as a spy drama.