In this post-9/11 fantasy world, everyone is split into two sides: freedom fighters and terrorists, with no room for middle ground. Based largely on this premise, "Traitor" comes off as rather unbelievable, and at times almost ridiculous, as it channels Cold War-era nuclear fears brought about by propaganda.
The movie revolves around Don Cheadle's character Samir Horn, a devout Islamic bomb-maker who struggles with doing the right thing. After being thrown in prison for refusing to give information about a bombing, he joins a terrorist cell to destroy the capitalist regime. With the detonators in his hand, it seems the "free world" is in massive danger. Or is it?
The plot showcases a lot of "Departed"-style twists and turns, and the movie manages to keep you in suspense and has some moments of wonderful originality. This seems to be one of the first movies of this sub-genre that actually humanizes terrorists. Reflected by Saïd Taghmaoui's character Omar, who simultaneously wants to kill people while remaining ambivalent toward doing so, terrorists are largely portrayed as angry, displaced people who want their way of life back. This idea sadly fizzles out through Aly Khan's character Fareed, whose bloodlust, cold demeanor and manicured appearance make you certain he's a misplaced Bond villain.
The movie ultimately turns into a good guys vs. bad guys rumble, and the burden is on Cheadle, caught in the middle.
Cheadle's performance makes the movie bearable, as he is able to display both doubt and conviction in the face of action. Avoiding stereotype and exaggeration, he makes Horn extremely likeable despite the audience's judgment of his choices. Focusing on peaceful Islamic beliefs, Cheadle brings out Horn's enduring strength and optimism toward humanity. Through this lens he channels the religious beauty and selflessness that rings to the core of the movie's message: in war, both sides are traitorous to humanity.
Guy Pearce does a commendable job playing F.B.I agent Roy Clayton, the man trying to catch Samir. It's always a treat to see Pearce doing something noticeable, since his last mainstream movie was "Memento".
A Southern boy with a Baptist upbringing, Clayton is the perfect character to pit against Horn because they both share so many similarities: two men just trying to do what they believe is best for humanity. Pearce plays Clayton with the same amount of ambivalence and momentum as Cheadle, which helps to drive the message and plot along.
Aside from the acting, the movie is subpar and attempts to make you believe some ridiculous concepts. At one point, it implies that pretty much every Islamic person, from your next-door neighbor to the guy serving you coffee, is a terrorist in disguise. Despite the ignorance and barely-concealed racism of this idea, the concept of a cruel, bloodthirsty terrorist lurking behind every average Muslim citizen conflicts with what seems to be one of the movie's points ¾ that human beings are essentially good. It's this kind of overwhelming confusion in its message that makes "Traitor" long-winded, slow-paced and worse than the movie it has the potential to be. It's really not a terrible movie ¾ just a poorly directed one. However, it is made well enough for television, which is where you should watch it, for free.
