Betrayed (1988)

Sadly Over-hyped

An absolute waste of money

It isn't all that great, actually. Really cheesy and very predicable of how certain scenes are gonna turn play out. However, I guess that's the charm of it all, because I would consider this one of my guilty pleasures.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

The artistry in this film is evident, the plot is gripping from beginning to end. I was pleased to see so many familiar faces in the cast: Betsy Blair, (a 1955 Oscar Nominee for "Marty"), "Frasier" dad John Mahoney, John Heard, and character actor Ted Levine ("Silence of the Lambs") all are here, and all do a wonderful job.The plot unfolds slowly at first, with only faint hints of what is to come. (Actually, the less you know about this film going in, the more you will be surprised by it.) The "wholesome" farm community which seems so "normal" holds so much more--something troubling and sinister. But yet, these people still retain that "wholesome" normalness to them, even after we see what is underneath. The "normalness" never completely goes away, and in some cases, we still are actually able to sympathize with these characters, as depraved as they are. As a previous reviewer said, the "insanity of normality". "Betrayed" depicts this well. The whole cast is wonderful--Winger is compelling and convincing, as is the rest of the cast. The characterization (and acting) of Tom Berenger as the "insane/normal" Gary should be applauded particularly. All through the film his character is consistent--a man with a "normal" ability to love those close to him. Even when see how his motivations and world view are so completely warped, we see a Gary who feels deeply, loves, and wants many the "normal" things in life. These qualities do not disappear when the darker side of him is revealed, which makes his character all the more fascinating and even sympathetic at times. The "insanity of normality" is most evident in his character.The production quality of 'Betrayed ' is good with fine acting all around. Honorable mention is deserved by underrated actor John Heard who plays Katy's commander and suitor. In 1988 he was still thin.Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

I was going to rate this movie a 6, but at the last minute gave it an 8 instead, because I saw it for the first time on cable a week ago, and I can't stop thinking about it.there are definitely "plot holes you could drive a truck through," as they say. the biggest one is something other reviewers have noted. Debra Winger's character Katie/Cathy is forced to go back and continue her undercover work (pun intended) several times, even though there's PLENTY of information to convict all of these people on multiple charges many times over. I guess it's good to know the FBI is so scrupulous about the "righteousness of their busts" but seriously...!other people have mentioned the "night hunt" scene. I watch a lot of movies, horror movies especially, but I have to say that this was one of the only times I've ever literally watched a scene with my jaw hanging open. I got the impression that the crimes were supposed to "ramp up" somehow throughout the movie and get more and more serious, but the hunt scene was far more awful than anything that came after.the movie is beautifully filmed. one scene in particular caught my eye: it's early in the courtship of Gary and Katie, and they've just come back into his house through the front door, which is still open. they stand facing each other, the farmland beyond framed by the door, and the trees all blowing in the wind. I finally figured out that it reminded me of that great (and very windy) scene in "The Quiet Man" and borrowed by "ET" with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. I do not know if that was deliberate on the part of the filmmaker, but it was really pretty either way.

Let's focus on the film from a different perspective.Despite the movie helps us to understand the circumstances lead to racism,it also represents "how a good racist should be". He should be a family man,should reject Neo-Nazis' ideas when they are trying to sell him guns in a camp by saying "my father fought against Nazis in WWII".thus showing a moral man Director leads to misunderstanding reluctantly with the character Gary Simmons that appears to be a good man with all his faults grew up in an environment which makes him the leader of a terrorist organization.Still, it's a drama master-piece especially with final scenes

1st watched 8/26/2007 - 8 out of 10(Dir-Costa-Gavras): Engrossing drama about an undercover FBI agent, played by Debra Winger, who is given more than she can handle as she tries to determine if a midwest farmer, played by Tom Berenger, is involved with the murder of a Chicago Jewish talk show radio host. Winger provides a so-so performance with Berenger playing his usual cute but deadly personality. What makes this movie work is the way that the director Costa-Gavras brings us this storyline along at a matter-of-fact pace, almost like it's from the midwesterner's point of view instead of the way we, the audience, might want it presented. Slowly it's revealed that the family man farmer is not only a bigot and racist, but is also a dangerous leader of a national organization bent on ridding the U.S. of anyone not like them and justifying it by the fact that they are taking from the average white American. Winger's character becomes deeper and deeper involved in the man's personal and criminal life to the point of contributing to some of the crimes. The FBI won't let her off the case until some evidence is found against him towards the killing of the before-mentioned Jewish man and when they eventually find it, Winger is way over her head to the point of being engaged to the man. Side stories about Winger's character's life along with Berenger's reveals that they have both been hurt in the past and are looking for new relationships to cement themselves into life again. This brings about further complications for both of them. Costa-Gavras always tries to take us new places in his movies and his done it successfully with this one. He keeps your interest to the very end which is my mark for a good director with good storytelling. Despite the fact that this movie wasn't highly acclaimed when it came out, in my opinion, it is not to be missed.