The Quiet American

Michael Caine and The Quite American

Every expat in Asia wants to know what the world thinks of them, teaching English and repairing broken sewer systems in Bangladesh and Dubai, so several blogs and websites keep a running total of inquires into the health and habits of these high-minded individuals.

Dick Headley is not one of them.

To be honest I've never been a big fan of Michael Caine. He reminds me of every dodgy cabbie I've ever met in London. Also he’s one of those actors who always seems to play himself. But I have to say he gets better with age. Saw him in as the French ex-fascist in 'The Statement' and again in 'The Quiet American' (2002) he was perfect. Just right for Thomas Fowler, the aging expat journalist running out of options. Which brings me to the point. Do Hai Yen. She played the taxi-dancer who Fowler lives with. I haven't met many Vietnamese girls quite as passive as her but that was the point of the movie. One of them. She represented Vietnam, plaything of the Western powers.

Here's a tip. If you're ever stuck for something to do in Vancouver on a Sunday night try wandering around the bars pretending to be Michael Caine. You'll get mobbed by spaced out women and if you're lucky you may run into somebody who shares your interest in Do Hai Yen. He may even buy you a beer.

Full marks, by the way, go to Graham Greene for the original book and Christopher Hampton for a superb screenplay. Here are some excerpts...

Dick Headley on Acid