The Good Shepherd is a 2006 American spy film directed by Robert De Niro and starring Matt Damon. The film depicts the career of Eddie “The Irishman” Wilson (Damon), a fictional founding member of the Central Intelligence Agency. In 1939, while studying at Yale University, Wilson is recruited by William Donovan (De Niro) for an intelligence mission in Europe that eventually leads to his role in the founding of the CIA.
The movie follows Eddie through his years with the CIA as he rises up through the ranks and witnesses pivotal moments such as Operation Ajax in 1953 where a covert coup was launched against Iran prime minister Mossadegh, and later Operation Mongoose in 1962 which was an attempt to overthrow Cuban president Fidel Castro. As Eddie continues his career with the agency, he faces scrutiny from inside and outside forces that questions whether his loyalty lies with America or with himself.
