The Good Shepherd (2006) ***1/2

In De Niro's second directorial effort (I've still yet to see A Bronx Tale (1993)), he tackles the early history of the CIA, focusing primarily on a fictional character played by Damon, with events playing out amidst familial drama much like The Godfather (1972). Whilst The Good Shepherd (2006) isn't the classic that that film is and falters here and there, this story of espionage has kept me engrossed upon multiple viewings, with its slow pacing, timeline shifts, melancholic tone and high production values.