The Constant Gardener ***1/2 (out of four) Despite a slow opening, the dynamic direction by Fernando Meirelles and pitch-perfect performance by Ralph Fiennes make this John Le Carré adaptation a gripping, effective film.

Even in his best performances - and there are several: “Schindler’s List”, “Quiz Show” and “The English Patient” come to mind - Ralph Fiennes always seems a bit standoffish. Maybe it’s the oh-so-British accent or the severe European profile, but something about Mr. Fiennes tends to come off cold. Of course, for roles like the Commandant in “Schindler” that quality worked to his advantage. Mr. Fiennes has always been better at playing brains rather than heart.

However, from the opening moments of “The Constant Gardener”, Fernando Meirelles’ gripping adaptation of the John Le Carré novel, Mr. Fiennes dispels any doubt about his abilities in this arena. Playing Justin Quayle, a gardener stationed in Kenya whose wife Tessa (Rachel Weisz), an outspoken activist, is killed, Mr. Fiennes, drawing his lips inward and adding just a slight quaver to his voice, gives his finest performance in almost a decade.

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