Pack Of Lies

Pack of Lies is a gripping drama from 1987 that dives into themes of friendship, trust, and espionage. The film is directed by Anthony Page and features an ensemble cast led by acclaimed actors Ellen Burstyn and Teri Garr, alongside British actress Sammi Davis.

Set primarily in the intimate confines of suburban London in the 1960s, the movie explores the life of Barbara Jackson (Ellen Burstyn) and her family. Burstyn, an award-winning actress, is perfectly cast as the loving and gentle housewife whose life takes an unexpected turn. Burstyn's powerful portrayal of a woman on the verge of a personal crisis carries the film through various emotional highs and lows.

Barbara Jackson and her husband, Bob, lead a tranquil and somewhat mundane suburban life with their teenage daughter, Julie (Sammi Davis). Their monotonous daily routine is disrupted when a friendly Canadian couple, Helen and Peter Schaefer (played by Teri Garr and Alan Scarfe), moves in next door. The Jacksons and Schaefer become fast friends, and their lives become closely intertwined. The friendship offers a respite from the mundanity of the Jacksons' life and gives an extra spark to their otherwise placid world.

However, their placid life takes a dramatic turn when a mysterious man named Stewart (Ronald Hines) introduces himself as a member of British Intelligence. He informs the Jacksons that their dear friends, the Schaefers, are suspected Soviet spies. This brings with it a crisis of conscience and trust, as the Jackson's home is turned into a surveillance outpost to monitor the suspected spies next door.

This revelation shatters the tranquility of Barbara and Bob's life, leaving them grappling with a moral dilemma - to continue supporting the intelligence operation that can lead to their friends' downfall or to risk everything by warning them. Teri Garr delivers a compelling performance as the charming Helen Schaefer, leaving audiences teetering on the edge, questioning the truth of her character.

Sammi Davis, as the teenager Julie, delivers a notable performance. She is coming of age amidst the turmoil, dealing with her developing independence and the moral complexities engulfing her family. Her evolving relationship with her parents, particularly her mother, adds another layer to the story, furthering the emotional depth of the plot.

Pack of Lies is not only a thrilling espionage drama but a deep examination of the bonds of friendship and trust in a world filled with deceptions and feigned loyalties. The narrative explores the strain on relationships under scrutiny and duress, adding a human element to the usually fast-paced world of espionage films.

The film's period setting is a character in itself – from the costumes to the classic suburban houses and vintage cars. Director Anthony Page uses the 1960s backdrop and setting to reflect the world's political climate during the Cold War, both contributing to the suspense and enhancing the aesthetic feel of the film.

Pack of Lies is a thought-provoking movie that leaves audiences questioning the idea of real friendship and trust when confronted with betrayal and deceit. It weaves a captivating narrative by meshing everyday life with extraordinary circumstances, resulting in a memorable espionage film. The strong performances by Burstyn and Garr, coupled with the hard-hitting plot, make Pack of Lies a noteworthy entry in the world of 1980s drama cinema.

Based on Masterpiece Theatre's presentation of Hugh Whitemore's award-winning play, Pack of Lies boasts star performances that navigate a delicate balance between personal allegiances and duties to the state. It's a must-watch for any lover of film, longing for a human-centric narrative within the realms of spy dramas, presenting a riveting tale that keeps viewers guessing until the end.