Watch The Human Factor

The Human Factor is a political thriller from 1979. Directed by Otto Preminger, the film stars Richard Attenborough, Nicol Williamson, and Derek Jacobi. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Graham Greene. The film is set during the Cold War and focuses on the espionage activities of MI6. Maurice Castle (Attenborough) is an aging MI6 agent who has grown disillusioned with the world of spying. Instead, he seeks a quiet life with his wife Sarah (Joop Doderer) and their son Sam (Dominic Guard). However, Castle's past catches up with him when he is asked by his boss, Colonel Daintry (Williamson), to help identify a mole within the agency.

Castle reluctantly agrees to help and is reunited with his former mentor and friend, Arthur Davis (Jacobi), who is now the head of MI6's Africa division. Together, they begin a search for the suspected mole, but soon realize that the investigation could place Castle and his family in danger.

As the investigation unfolds, Castle is torn between his loyalty to his country and his desire to protect his family. He also has to grapple with the morality of his past actions as a spy, and the consequences of his choices on those around him. Meanwhile, the tension between the East and West continues to escalate, and the fear of nuclear war looms over everything.

The Human Factor is a slow-burning thriller, with a focus on characters and dialogue rather than action set pieces. The film's strength lies in its exploration of the psychological toll of espionage, and the human cost of the Cold War. Attenborough delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted Castle, while Williamson and Jacobi are excellent as his confidantes.

The movie also features impressive cinematography by Mike Molloy, which captures the bleak political landscape of the time, as well as the beauty and dangers of the African landscape.

Overall, The Human Factor is a thought-provoking and engaging political thriller that still holds up today. Its exploration of loyalty, morality, and personal responsibility in the world of espionage resonates in our current political climate. The film's slow pace and emphasis on character may not be to everyone's taste, but those looking for a gripping spy thriller with intellectual depth should check this film out.

In conclusion, The Human Factor is a worthwhile watch for anyone who enjoys a good espionage thriller or is interested in the Cold War era. Its exploration of the human side of spying, its emphasis on character and dialogue, and its impressive cinematography make it a standout film in the genre.

The Human Factor is a 1979 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 62.