Synopsis: During a post-Cold War era in American politics, one respected FBI agent sold secrets to the KGB for over a decade. This eccentric figure in American history who betrayed his country was Robert Hanssen, a top agent who put his life in the balance seemingly for the reason of living out a spy fantasy fascination. Beginning with Hanssen's unusual home life that included taking naked pictures of his wife and sending them to a friend serving the military abroad, Hanssen then joined the FBI where his sharp mind maked him a popular figure, but his aggravated behavior occasionally caused him problems. Hansson then began a relationship with the Russians that eventually landed him in jail for treason. A biography packed with shocking information about the most notorious spy in America since baseball catcher Moe Berg.

Cast:
William Hurt .... Robert P. Hanssen
Mary-Louise Parker .... Bonnie Hanssen
David Strathairn .... Jack Hoschouer
Ron Silver .... Mike Fine
Hilit Pace .... Priscilla Galey
Alexander Kalugin .... Viktor Cherkashin
Lev Prygunov .... Leonid Vladimirovich Shebarshin
Wayne Knight .... Walter Ballou
Peter Boyle .... Howard Hanssen

Favorite Quotes:
• Bonnie: "You're an angel."
Jack: "Don't ever say that..."

Notes:
• David, as well as the cast and crew, actually met the real Jack Hoschouer--who provided them with most of the background and private information seen in the film.
• David and co-star Ron Silver both previously appeared in Silkwood and Lovesick.

Critical Praise & Commentary:
• "The movie also touches upon other skeletons in Hanssen's closet including his mysterious, platonic relationship with an exotic dancer, and his odd sexual fascination involving his best friend, the weak Jack Hoschouer (the brilliant David Strathairn) and his wife." -Janet Branagan, Apollo Review Guide

• "Strathairn is about the only male who gets to play an emotion beyond understated surprise, as Jack's never sure what's up Hanssen's sleeve--a request for a transfer to the FBI or an invite to see Bonnie in the shower. Strathairn strikes a good balance between being creeped out and supportive as a friend..." -Phil Gallo, Variety

(Laurence Schiller On David:)
• [regarding the scandalous, private sex scene] "David Strathairn, who plays Hoschouer, met with the real man and discussed the scene, what went on, and I think did a brilliant job portraying the attraction and also the shame that he had during those months." -Laurence Schiller, director, DVD commentary

Related Links:
Official U.S. Site (off site)
CI Centre - Master Spy: The Robert Hanssen Story (off site)
Shie Rozow (composer) - includes orchestra footage (off site)