Fair Game Preview/Synopsis

Fair Game November 8

Directed by Doug Liman ( Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Swingers ) Starring Naomi Watts, Sean Penn, Sam Shepard, Bruce McGill, Noah Emmerich, Ty Burrell and Brooke Smith. Written by Jez and John Butterworth ( The Last Legion ) Cinematography by Liman himself, Editing by Christopher Tellefson ( Capote, The Village ) Original music by BAFTA nominee John Powell ( Happy Feet, Shrek ).

As a covert officer in the CIA's Counter-Proliferation Division, Valerie (Naomi Watts) Plame leads an investigation into the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Valerie's husband, diplomat Joe Wilson (Sean Penn), is drawn into the investigation to substantiate an alleged sale of enriched uranium from Niger. But when the administration ignores his findings and uses the issue to support the call to war, Joe writes a New York Times editorial outlining his conclusions and igniting a firestorm of controversy.

Soon after, Valerie's covert status is reported by a high-profile Washington journalist. With her cover blown and her overseas contacts placed in mortal danger, Valerie is pushed to the breaking point as her career and private life collapse. After years serving the government, Valerie--a mother, a wife and a field officer with an impeccable record--now struggles to save her reputation, her career and her family.

Rated PG-13 for some language. 104 minutes.

Oscar chances ? The film has a good critical approval rating so there's a good chance it gets a picture nomination. Same for Watts. There's an outside chance for
Penn in support. Long shot for screenplay but stranger things have happened before.