Agent of Influence (2002 TV Movie) User Reviews

Pathetic - not the movie, the real-life situation

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 4 July 2019]

"Agent of Influence" from 2002 is the disturbing true story of the CIA's framing of the Canadian Ambassador to the USSR (Christopher Plummer) by exposing him as a Russian agent. In so doing, they want to force him to implicate the Prime Minister at the time, Pearson. It stars Christopher Plummer, Marina Orsini, Ted Whittall, and Shaun Johnson.

With the exception of Plummer, the acting ranged from good to so-so - Marina Orsini, I think in an attempt to sound American, did her more subtle scenes the best. Plummer as usual was amazing as a man in failing health coming up against the ruination of his career at the hands of the CIA. The incident took place in 1964; the real story was finally revealed in 1980.

The older I get, the more disgusted I get by our government's antics. Sad statement.

Good Plummer performance lifts the film

[elect_michael · 6/10 · 14 February 2021]

Overall this is a good film because, and almost only because, Christopher Plummer puts in a good performance when he could have sent them a mail in performance in this made for TV film. The story and writing certainly helps also as it is brow raising along with the Plummer performance. It is kept from being extremely good because the performance by the rest of the cast and the Directing aren't up to par with the writing & the Plummer performance.

An Ambassador in a Compromised Position

[Uriah43 · 5/10 · 2 March 2020]

Loosely based on a true story, this film revolves around a man by the name of "John Watkins" (Christopher Plummer) who was a close and trusted friend of the Canadian Prime Minister. As such, he was given a position as the ambassador to the Soviet Union and from all accounts performed quite well. However, when some compromising information became available that implicated him in a possible blackmail scheme by the Soviets for a homosexual affair, he was quickly apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and interrogated. What follows in this film is a possible narrative of the events during his interrogation which have certain sinister overtones that may-or may not-be credible. Now, rather than reveal any more and risk potentially ruining the film for those who haven't seen it, I will just say that after reading the account of this incident it is quite possible that the events depicted in this movie are somewhat embellished to provide for a better story than would have been obtained otherwise. Regardless, as far as this picture is concerned, there really wasn't that much action or suspense but Christopher Plummer performed adequately enough to maintain my interest for the most part and because of that I have rated this film accordingly. Average.

Some Canadiana in the midst of the Iraq War coverage

[Dando83 · 8/10 · 14 April 2003]

Watched this film in mid April on CTV. What an interesting, yet disturbing story of the CIA railroading of a Canadian Ambassador to USSR.

Christopher Plummer is awesome as the Canadian diplomat who's chosen to take a fall and possibly implicate Prime Minister Pearson by the CIA during the middle of the cold war.

Alhtough hammed up for TV, it's incredibly unsettling to know that this kind of McCarthyism was very real. Makes one wonder how much truth is being reported today?

A great made for TV movie. Even a nice twist at the end. Based on a the book by Ian Adams which in turn is based on a true story. I give it an 8/10

A very poor effort to tell the story of Canadian Ambassador John Watkins

[vampire_hounddog · 2/10 · 21 August 2020]

In 1964 during the height of the Cold War, the Canadian Ambassador to Moscow, John Watkins (Christopher Plummer) is accused by the CIA and given some heavy interrogation for being a double agent for the KGB and use dirty tactics such as trying to out him as a homosexual.

Some dreadful performances and direction mar this what could have been an interesting film based on the real life events that occurred to Canadian Ambassador John Watkins. Director Michel Poulette clearly does not handle the material well with only Plummer handling his role with any dignity.

CIA tries to frame John Watkins, Canadian ambassador to Russia under the Pearson government.

[annie-135 · 9/10 · 13 April 2003]

Engrossing and frightening expose of the unprincipled tactics of the CIA, in dealing with the RCMP to hunt down possible double agents among Canadian diplomats in Lester Pearson's circle. The true story of John Watkin's tragic death finally surfaces - how a good man is sacrificed by "commie hunters". Herbert Norman and Watkins were hounded by the CIA during the cold war, and even their friend Prime Minister Lester Pearson couldn't save them.

How timely for CTV to air this when Canada has the courage not to back the U.S. unilateral invasion of Iraq. This TV movie explains better than any lecture the roots of the tensions between the US and Canada in international affairs.

Terrific performance by Christopher Plummer as Watkins, a sophisticated homosexual whose deep sense of decency is finally recognized by the RCMP officer interrogating him. Effective direction by Michel Poulette.

This is bad

[grasswhisperer · 1/10 · 6 April 2020]

This is a lousy film. It has to be the writing along with much of the acting. Seriously, Christopher Plummer is a good actor but even he can't lift this film. The actor who plays the woman agent is unbelievable. She overacts trying to create drama. What a waste of time.

Historic

[mehjoon · 8/10 · 27 April 2020]

Great movie. Just bumped into the movie by the chance. The story is real and eye opening. It's another page of bullying history.

Exposing the Brutality of the CIA's Hunt for Communists

[LeonardKniffel · 10/10 · 6 April 2020]

Based on true incidents that occurred in 1964 but were not exposed until 1980, this film dramatizes the brutal persecution of Canada's ambassador to the Soviet Union at the hands of the CIA. Christopher Plummer is brilliant as the ambassador; his performance was Oscar worthy, but this was a mere made-for-television production that most movie goers, including myself, never saw at the time it was aired. The shame and failure of American foreign policy and the corruption of this countries government officials are realities that too many Americans cannot face and so will continue to support blindly despite the opposition of sane and honest opposition of our neighbor to the north.

Canadian History Uncovered

[judycatwalsh · 9/10 · 18 June 2022]

Loved this movie. It contains so much history. So much hidden history hidden by USA. Acting by Mr. Plummer excellent. Story should be told. Thumbs up!