Breach Movie Review

1. Why does Hanssen become a spy?
Robert Hanssen was an FBI agent until he decided to betray his country and become a spy for Soviet Union. After he was asked about the reasons for such a decision, from his reply it seemed like he was brainsick, he said it soothed his ego that all the agents that surrounded him looked for a spy and could not find him. Basically, the reason of Hanssen becoming a spy is vanity.
2. Aside from committing espionage, how else did Hanssen lead ''double life''?
3. Was O'Neill effective at handling Hanssen? Provide at least two examples demonstrating why or why not?
Hanssen was extremely suspicious and smart, however Erick managed to trick him every time. The brightest examples of him handling Hanssen effectively are the story about going to the Catholic center and the situation in the park, when Bob tried to find out whether he can really trust his clerk.
4. How was Hanssen ultimately caught?
Ironically, in the beginning of this scene in the park he told Erick that he can figure any lie, better than anyone, and after their conversation, convinced that no one is following him Bob decides to pass the information to russians again, this is when FBI agents arrest him.
5. What lessons can the United States learn about counterintelligence based on the Hanssen case?
Analyzing the Hanssen's case we can tell that his betrayal wasn't about money, and though he mentioned something about being a patriot, this was far from truth. He defined his actions as good, because now bureau will see the breach in their system, however the reason they couldn't catch him, was because they didn't suspect him in espionage. Maybe sometimes it is right to trust no one.