Everything is connected.|Nov. 23, 2005|USA|128 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;Thriller
Description: “Syriana,” released in 2005, is a complex political thriller that delves into the intricacies of the global oil industry and its impact on geopolitics. The story revolves around Connex Oil, a major U.S. energy company losing control of critical oil fields in a Persian Gulf kingdom ruled by the Al-Subaai family. Prince Nasir, the kingdom’s foreign minister, decides to grant natural gas drilling rights to a Chinese company, sparking tension with the U.S. government and oil industry. To address its declining production capacity, Connex orchestrates a questionable merger with Killen, a smaller firm that recently secured drilling rights in Kazakhstan’s Tengiz Field. This merger creates a corporate entity so large, it would rank as the world’s 23rd-largest economy, raising antitrust concerns in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). A Washington, D.C.-based law firm, led by Dean Whiting, is brought in to facilitate the merger, with Bennett Holiday assigned to manage scrutiny and deflect corruption allegations.
Meanwhile, Bryan Woodman, a Geneva-based energy analyst, attends a private party hosted by the Emir in Marbella, Spain, to represent his company. During the event, the Emir falls ill, and Woodman misses the opportunity to speak with him. At the same time, the Emir’s younger son, Prince Meshal, showcases the estate to Chinese oil executives through remote-controlled cameras. Tragically, a crack in the pool’s underwater light electrifies the water, and Woodman’s son, who jumps into the pool unnoticed, is fatally electrocuted.
In the aftermath, Prince Nasir offers Woodman $75 million in oil interests as compensation for his loss. Although initially offended, Woodman eventually accepts the offer and becomes Nasir’s economic advisor. Nasir envisions progressive reforms, aiming to reduce his nation’s reliance on oil by diversifying the economy and introducing democratic measures. The film explores the intertwining lives of these characters against the backdrop of corporate greed, political intrigue, and personal tragedy.
Cast director: Stephen Gaghan
Cast actor: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, Amanda Peet, William Hurt, Christopher Plummer, Alexander Siddig, Kayvan Novak, Amr Waked
Original name: Syriana