The Amateur’s Clever Twist on Action Spy Movies

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WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for The Amateur.

In the recently released movie titled “The Amateur“, Rami Malek showcases a unique twist on the spy thriller genre, one that other action films in this category could benefit from imitating. This film is a modern adaptation of a 1982 production with the same name. Rami Malek plays Charlie Heller, a seasoned CIA data analyst, who embarks on a personal mission to unveil the truth behind his wife’s, Sarah (portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan), mysterious death. Unlike typical spy thrillers, Charlie lacks combat skills and struggles with handling a gun, which initially seems comical in comparison to series like “Bourne” or the upcoming sequel to “The Accountant“.

As a movie critic, I found myself thoroughly captivated by “The Amateur,” an espionage thriller that sets itself apart from its peers. Unlike other films in the genre, the protagonist, Charlie, relies less on firepower and more on his formidable intellect to outsmart his adversaries. Rami Malek, who rose to fame as the brilliant hacker Elliot Alderson in “Mr. Robot,” delivers a compelling performance as Charlie.

The action in “The Amateur” may not be as gun-heavy as other films in the genre, but that doesn’t make it any less thrilling. Instead of high-octane gunfights, we witness Charlie skillfully navigating dangerous situations and devising ingenious ways to retaliate against his enemies. This unpredictability and engaging quality of Charlie’s character is what truly sets “The Amateur” apart.

The Amateur Makes Charlie Useless With A Gun (But Deadly With Tech)

Charlie’s Mind Proves To Be Quite Lethal In Its Own Right

Enjoying Charlie’s antics as he outwits his questionable CIA superiors in the movie “The Amateur” stems from knowing he’s usually multiple steps ahead. Much of his intelligence and strategy are self-generated, with occasional help from a reliable contact known by the code name Inquiline for tips and advice. Charlie is not only proficient with technology and analysis but also has an unexpected talent for reading people and bluffing to get what he needs. He uses the threat of exposing CIA Deputy Director Moore’s clandestine operations as leverage to receive a crash course in field training, which ultimately leads him to cross paths with Laurence Fishburne’s character, Henderson.

Charlie serves as an illustration that not every hero in spy thrillers needs to embody James Bond traits like shooting, combat, and physical prowess. While such elements definitely make these films entertaining, the movie “The Amateur” shows that a clever hero can be just as captivating as a strong one.

Charlie is inherently an underdog, often scoffed at by his CIA peers when he expresses his desire to track down and eliminate the ones who took his wife’s life. However, through his abilities, he manages to defy their expectations, thereby redefining the conventional image of a protagonist in a spy thriller.

Charlie Using Tech Makes Him Unique In The Spy Thriller Genre

Charlie Shows That There Can Be Creativity In Violence & Revenge Stories

In the movie “The Amateur,” it’s crucial to understand why Charlie lacks the necessary training to venture out in the field. After all, that information is right there in the title! Despite Charlie being incredibly intelligent, he serves as a character we can relate to on a human level by portraying him as an ordinary individual. He’s left without any opportunity for retribution against those who took his wife’s life unless he takes matters into his own hands. If Charlie was secretly a skilled fighter or marksman, it would undermine the purpose of the movie, as he should be an average Joe on a quest for justice.

Most spy novels typically include gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and similar perils as urgent hurdles for the hero to conquer. If The Amateur had transformed Charlie into an unyielding assassin to fit a more conventional revenge narrative, it would have contradicted itself and weakened Charlie’s unique character traits. In truth, the climax of The Amateur showcases that Charlie is not a killer; he’s incapable of pulling the trigger against the man who harmed his wife. However, Charlie achieves his vengeance and a satisfying conclusion by sparing his wife’s murderer while also apprehending Moore.

Why More Movies Should Follow The Amateur’s Approach To Action Movies

The Amateur Makes Room For Underdogs To Be Action Heroes Too

In a typical action or drama, violence often erupts spontaneously without much thought or strategy. A punch is thrown, and the main character retaliates. A shot rings out, and the hero grabs his weapon in response. This kind of reaction is common, driven by survival instinct and sometimes impulsive behavior. Although violence can have purpose and skill, the intensity of a fight usually leaves little room for innovation. However, Charlie’s approach in “The Amateur” was different. He devised a series of traps to ensnare his targets, showing more cunning behavior that one might associate with an antagonist or serial killer character. The creative use of strategy by Charlie made the scenes in The Amateur all the more thrilling, particularly the collapsing pool scene, which stands out as a unique and unforgettable moment compared to the usual gunfights.

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2025-04-21 06:30