Syriana Resource Released
January 31, 2007
Stephen Gaghan’s Syriana is a complex thriller. The film concerns itself with an extremely broad canvas, attempting to map the unsettling relationships between the American government, big oil companies and Middle Eastern politics. In doing so, Gaghan establishes a distinctly uncomfortable link between terrorism and the self-interested policies pursued by the U.S.A.
Syriana is a demanding film, requiring some background knowledge. Several reviewers felt they were often trying to catch up with the intricacies of the plot.
Most meant this as a compliment and it is to be hoped students will relish the opportunity Syriana offers to dip into distinctly murky waters. It is a film for older students at GCSE and AS/A2 Level. As well as the insights it provides about the clandestine side to international relations, it focuses on one of the key issues of our age, namely what the world’s response will be as supplies of cheap oil diminish.
Syriana also provides ample material for media and film students and the brief notes here focus on narrative and characterisation. To view the full AS / A2 resource visit Film Education.
View the Trailer. 
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