Truth
Starring: Cate
Blanchett, Robert Redford, David Lyons, Dennis Quaid, Elizabeth Moss
Written and
Directed By: James Vanderbilt
121 minutes Rated M
It’s a curious thing truth isn’t it? Often it’s confused
with facts, regularly it’s determined to be infallible and rarely is one person’s
truth the same as another’s. Perception
versus reality, memory coloring actuality, even moral judgement introduced into
a damned good story, all can be present in the quest for truth, the search for
what happened, what ‘is’ or ‘was’. Add
to all that a media needing to report news, communicating information,
questioning assumptions and, yes, grabbing a headline, and you have a fine of
pot of shipping to deal with.
Mary Mepes (Blanchett) and Dan Rather (Redford) were two bastions
at CBS News particularly its flagship investigative programme ’60 Minutes’ (a long
running 48 minute weekly magazine show). Mary had broken the horror story about
Abu Ghraib and was much respected in the news community. Rather had been in the
business since dinosaurs walked to earth. They both had runs on the board.
A story comes their way which suggests George W Bush may
have stretched the truth about his military record and the National Guard.
Compelling documentary evidence and information from ‘reliable’ sources
convince them it’s a story worth telling and putting to air in 2004. Bush is in
a close race with John Kerry for the presidency (his second term), has his
stewardship of the country during the trauma of September 11th to
bolster his patriotism and resolve as points deserving of another term. If he
was found to have lied about his past (especially in anything military or
public service) it could significantly impact on his chances.
But what is the truth, how solid is the evidence, is
politics the driver behind the story (let alone the allegations) and what are
the what ifs?
This is a fascinating story well told in a tight and
lively script by Vanderbilt (based on
Mary Mepes’ book ‘Truth and Duty: The
Press, the President and the Privilege of Power ‘)and deftly directed by him
. Blanchett is practically flawless as Mepes, she seems to be caught in
a scene for the first time rather than filmed ‘performing’ a well-rehearsed
scene which has gone through many takes. Redford is convincing and strong as
Rather (although I suspect the veteran newsman is rather more brittle than
Redford portrays). David Lyons and Elizabeth Moss bring real assurance and
insight into their roles as Josh and Lucy. Dennis Quaid as Col Roger Charles is
good too although his part seems underwritten. Other memorable performances
come from Bruce Greenwood and Stacey Keach but really there is barely a weak
link in any performance. There are some beautiful cameos from Aussies Noni
Hazelhurst (has a lovely monologue which she delivers expertly and movingly),
Phillip Quast, Rachel Blake (amazing) and Andrew MacFarlane.
Filmed almost entirely in Sydney at Cate’s request (how’s
that for star power?) this is a wonderful piece of movie making and storytelling.
It may have a didactic moment here and there but there is so much to ponder on
and themes to consider – journalism, politics, truth, accountability, respect,
support, fallibility, evidence, who’s dispensable etc etc - it is worth every viewing minute (but far
from a ‘worthy’ exercise).
It is a shame the film tanked in the States and so will
be overlooked in the awards season. Blanchett deserves some sort of nod for her
performance as does the film itself. CBS even banned any advertising for the
film and some media outlets indulged in some pretty tasteless (and arguably
dodgy) negative stories about the movie and maybe even published some slanted
negative reviews. To deliberately publish a negative review which has no basis
in reality for the sole reason of destroying or besmirching a movie is
questionable at best and unethical at worst. Somewhat ironic given the subject
matter of the film they are trying to bury don’t you think?
This is a film deserving of your attention, you will
remember it for a long time and you will be thankful you saw it. Plus you’ll
take a moment to be thankful for Rather and Mepes, their courage and their integrity.
4 ½ out of 5
