The Untold Story of The Courier: What the Film Leaves Out

Cold War History & The Cuban-Missile Crisis

The historical Cold War-era drama The Courier, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as Greville Wynne and Merab Ninidze as Soviet intelligence officer Oleg Penkovsky, is a compelling portrayal of the true story that unfolds during the early 1960s. The film captures the tension and high stakes of the Cuban Missile Crisis, a pivotal moment in Cold War history. However, in condensing the content into a two-hour feature, there are many details of the true story that get left out. Let's explore the historical context and the events that inspired the film, shedding light on the untold aspects of this remarkable story.

Wynne staking hands with Penkovsky outside of a plane in The Courier

The Courier is based on events surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis in the U.S. during the Cold War. This real-life confrontation between America and the Soviets was the closest the two countries came to potentially starting World War III during the '60s. The film's more focused timeline omits a lot of details and context of the period but does so to ensure a more cohesive story. Additionally, the decades-long period of geopolitical tension between the two countries and their respective allies, lasting from the end of World War II until the Dissolution of the Soviet Union in December of 1991, provides the backdrop for the narrative. Understanding the broader historical context enriches the audience's appreciation for the high-stakes drama depicted on screen.

Benedict Cumberbatch talking to a man and woman on the street in The Courier

The tension and geopolitical maneuvering post-World War II form the core of The Courier's narrative, offering a glimpse into the intricate web of international relations during the Cold War era. This historical background underscores the significance of the events portrayed in the film, highlighting the real-world implications of the characters' actions in deterring an all-out nuclear war. By delving into the historical context, the audience gains a deeper understanding of the impact of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the broader geopolitical tensions of the Cold War period.

Penkovsky standing in front of a Soviet symbol in The Courier

The Real Greville Wynne & MI6 Recruitment

The Courier introduces Greville Wynne's recruitment by MI6 operative Dickie Franks and Emily Donovan of the CIA, shedding light on the mix of fact and fiction in the portrayal of historical characters. Greville Wynne, a British businessman, was recruited by MI6 in November of 1960, during what he thought was a business dinner, much like the scene depicted in the film. His recruitment was facilitated by his regular business trips to countries controlled by the Soviet Union, providing him with the perfect cover for his mission to Moscow. The film's true story adaptation stays true to these events, offering a glimpse into the real-life recruitment of Wynne as an unlikely MI6 agent.

Benedict Cumberbatch looks serious in The Courier

The film presents a mix of fact and fiction in its portrayal of MI6 characters, with Dickie Franks being based on a real person who played a pivotal role in Wynne's recruitment. In contrast, CIA agent Emily Donovan is a composite character inspired by several real-life individuals involved in the intelligence operation. This blending of historical accuracy and creative interpretation adds depth to the film's narrative, capturing the complexity of the espionage operations during the Cold War era. By delving into the real story behind Wynne's recruitment and his collaboration with intelligence agencies, the audience gains insight into the intricate web of espionage and international intrigue that shaped the events depicted in The Courier.

Benedict Cumberbatch sits on a plane in The Courier

The Untold Realities and Controversies

The Courier's portrayal of the events surrounding the arrest and fate of Oleg Penkovsky sheds light on the untold realities and controversies of the true story. In real life, Penkovsky was arrested in October of 1962, similar to how it is depicted in the film, and was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death by firing squad. However, the actual circumstances of his death remain a topic of debate, with conflicting accounts suggesting suicide and a much darker fate. These untold realities add depth to the historical context of the film, highlighting the complexities and controversies surrounding the true story of The Courier.

Benedict Cumberbatch looking questionable in The Courier

Similarly, the film provides insights into the untold aspects of Greville Wynne's post-prison life, shedding light on his controversial accounts and the impact of his experiences. Despite being portrayed as an unsung hero in the film, Wynne's real-life accounts were marred by controversy, with documented instances of embellishment and fabrication. The film's decision to acknowledge these controversies adds depth to the character of Wynne, offering a nuanced portrayal of his life beyond the events depicted in The Courier.

Benedict Cumberbatch in a dark room in The Courier

The accuracy of The Courier's portrayal of historical events is a subject of debate, given the complexities and controversies surrounding the real-life figures and events depicted in the film. By delving into the untold realities and controversies, the audience gains a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the true story and the challenges of navigating historical accuracy in cinematic storytelling.

Benedict Cumberbatch looking distraught in The Courier