In the world of newspaper journalism, scandal and controversy are as common as sports box scores and comic strips, and have become more readily accessible for its readers with the emergence of blogs and Internet news sites. However, how reliable are these news sources with respect to the integrity (or lack thereof) of news gathering and relationships with the very people they vilify? This question and more is explored in the film State of Play, directed by Kevin Macdonald and starring Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams and Helen Mirren.
State of Play Based on BBC MiniSeries
State of Play is based on the 2003 BBC miniseries of the same name, which received critical acclaim for its look into the relationships of government politics, tabloid versus reputable press and the fine line walked between them. In this reiteration, they explore the current state of brick-and-mortar newspaper companies and their desire to stay relevant in the wake of Internet journalism and the juggernaut of web logs and news based more on opinion than fact. Those stuck in the “old way” of reporting the news are being left in the dust when information can be gathered and disseminated in a manner of seconds, often leaving little regard to consequences. But when coming together to find the truth is necessary, both worlds must learn to coexist.
The players in this film utilize their strengths quite admirably, showing subtlety when necessary and fear and force in ways that don’t take you out of the film in disbelief. Kudos go to Affleck, whose Congressman Stephen Collins is a smarmy and diabolical politician in the most understated of ways. His acting style lends itself well to the confident and self-aggrandizing demeanors of many of today’s political figures. He has said to have blueprinted the role on the lives of former New York governor Eliot Spitzer, former presidential hopeful John Edwards and other scandal-heavy headliners.
Russell Crowe is grizzled newspaperman Cal McAffrey, who seems to have an inside to any avenue or hotspot of interest to grab a scoop. His days on top at the Washington Globe are far behind him, however, and he sees the walls close in on him when confronted by Della Frye (McAdams), the online journalist for the paper looking to make a name for herself in the industry. The two reluctantly investigate the death of one of Collins’s researchers, who may be linked to a private military organization looking to profit from the war on terror. Things get stickier when McAffrey attempts to absolve Congressman Collins, who happens to be his old college roommate, from whispers of adultery and any other wrongdoing by any means necessary. Serial killers, questionable info-gathering tactics and media deadlines produce a ticking time bomb for Frye and McAffrey that uncovers many twists and turns to the truth, keeping you at the edge of your seat.
Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck Deliver Solid Performances
General consensus for this film has been positive, mainly because of the quality of acting from everyone involved. With many political thrillers, there tends to be a certain embellishment of fact required in order to maintain a level of drama for the audience, State of Play being no exception. Macdonald tells a fast-paced, dialogue-heavy story, giving you a necessary suspension of disbelief, even where most of the plot is strewn from real headlines. When this happens, it is almost imperative that you have strong actors to make the events plausible and entrancing. This is where actors like Crowe, McAdams and Affleck shine, as well as the supporting cast of Helen Mirren, Jeff Daniels and Jason Bateman. Crowe is solid as usual. He plays the character's determination to find the truth with slick force, and is complemented well with McAdams savvy, despite her character's reluctance to go to every length to break the story of her young career. As for Affleck, it's definitely not his best work, but with the events that transpire for his character in this film you almost want to feel sorry for him. Almost.
The level of drama and suspense is also quite good, utilizing more of a cloak-and-dagger approach rather than an in-your-face, blitzkrieg, Michael Bay style of action. Rarely do you see initial violent acts depicted on-screen; instead you’re shown points of view from the third person or in a montage of camera angles. One particularly captivating scene takes place at a run-down motel, where McAffrey and Frye secretly record a confessional by a source (Bateman) linked to the victim, prompting a confrontation with the congressman, all done through a few hidden cameras in the room. All the while McAffrey and Collins sort out their own issues with each other with Frye piecing together the story on her own, realizing there’s more to it than what is on the surface.
See, Skip or Rent it?
If films like All the President’s Men, The Manchurian Candidate and The Interpreter intrigue you, State of Play is most definitely your cup of tea. Political scandal, big business versus the media, and the price of power and influence are all intertwined to make for an entertaining 2-plus hours at the multiplex.
Omar Bobb-Semple - Omar Bobb-Semple has made Los Angeles, CA his home for the last five years. This New York City native sought fame and fortune, but instead ...
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