Complex 'Syriana' examines big oil

George Clooney already delivered one dynamic political thriller this year in "Good Night and Good Luck." That film dealt with communist witch hunts of the past. "Syriana" dives deep into the politics of the present and future with a laser beam focus on the worldwide business of big oil.

Multiple plot lines feature a cross section of people involved at every level of this huge money-making enterprise. Of course, there are Arab kings and princes with fabulous wealth. Politicians, CIA agents, bankers and corporate executives play cat and mouse with each other. Intrigue and double cross are the order of the day among the sharks on the business and government sides of the equation.

But we also see the harsh lives of impoverished migrant workers imported to work the oil fields of the Middle East. Their hard labor benefits many masters, while the philosophy of fundamental Islam grows within their ranks. The convoluted oil policies of America, China, Russia, the Gulf states and even Kazakhstan are all on display.

George Clooney, Matt Damon, Chris Cooper and Christopher Plummer are outstanding in their roles. The many interlocking stories being told are complex and fascinating.

You won't be able to keep track of the names of the fictional characters and all their intrigues, but it doesn't matter.

You will understand the big picture.

The world is running out of oil and the highest bidder will get the last of what's left unless we do something about it. Without offering a solution, this riveting film will stimulate many discussions about we need to do next.

Well written and very well acted, "Syriana" will garner Oscar nominations as it makes us think about our dangerous predicament.

* JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender's office.

It's been hyped as "intelligent," a "cinematic smart bomb" and "engrossing." I'll give "Syriana" two out of three.

Though writer and director Stephen Gaghan ("Traffic") has given us an ambitiously intricate thriller about the geopolitics of the Persian Gulf, viewing it is hard work and definitely not kickback, mindless action. Here is a movie that dares us to keep up with all its characters, conspiracies and messages.

There's only one real message: Almost everybody connected with the global oil business is greedy and corrupt. If they're not, then they're naïve and eventual disillusionment will turn them greedy and corrupt.

Well, duh!