Disillusioned with Nixon, Vietnam, Watergate, and Australia (huh?), alter boys Timothy Hutton (as Christopher Boyce) and Sean Penn (as Andrew Daulton Lee) become professional criminals, after growing up wealthy in sunny southern California. Pet "Falcon" owner Mr. Hutton abandons plans to become a priest, "and the Snowman" Mr. Penn switches from snorting cocaine to heroin; together, they sell CIA secrets to the KGB. Alas, the lads learn spying is a very dangerous business
Despite being based on a true story, and featuring admirable performances, "The Falcon and the Snowman" doesn't get very high. Hutton and Penn do not really seem to be close friends, although we are told so; and their relationships with others - like both sets of family, and Lori Singer (as Lana) - ring strangely untrue. Only Russian contact David Suchet (as Alex) seems truly genuine. Simply, the script is too mysterious with motivation, and opportunities to blend characterizations are missed.
****** The Falcon and the Snowman (1/25/85) John Schlesinger ~ Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, David Suchet, Lori Singer
Despite being based on a true story, and featuring admirable performances, "The Falcon and the Snowman" doesn't get very high. Hutton and Penn do not really seem to be close friends, although we are told so; and their relationships with others - like both sets of family, and Lori Singer (as Lana) - ring strangely untrue. Only Russian contact David Suchet (as Alex) seems truly genuine. Simply, the script is too mysterious with motivation, and opportunities to blend characterizations are missed.
****** The Falcon and the Snowman (1/25/85) John Schlesinger ~ Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, David Suchet, Lori Singer