Syriana (2005)
This sprawling epic is written and directed by Stephen Gaghan, and is loosely based on the book See No Evil by Robert Baer. It features multiple storylines which run concurrently, to deliver a comprehensive view of the countless ramifications of corporate decisions within the oil industry. It stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, William Hurt, Mazhar Munir, Tim Blake Nelson, Amanda Peet, Christopher Plummer, and Alexander Siddig in roles ranging from CIA field operative to migrant worker.
Overall, the plot centres on America’s interests in Middle East oil fields. U.S energy company, Connex, feels its control of fields in a kingdom ruled by the al-Subaai family is drastically decreased when foreign minister Prince Nasir (Alexander Siddig) strikes a deal with a Chinese company – allowing them natural gas drilling rights. With the U.S government concerned, Connex merges with small oil company Killen, which has gained access to oil fields in Kazakhstan. The U.S. Justice Department is rattled by the deal, however, and begins an investigation into Connex-Killen.
The many narrative threads surrounding the oil fields managed by Prince Nasir, and the business deals of Connex and Killen, all intersect with the lives of workers and officials from various organizations. In this way, Syriana explores the issues of corporate and political corruption, assassination, and radicalization.
