Truth

A thriller about journalistic ethics and practices may not be the flavour for everybody, but the performances by Cate Blanchett (Mary Mapes), Robert Redford (Dan Rather), Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace make this a film that you should see.

Telling the story of a 60 Minutes piece which aired in the Unites States in 2004, about George W. Bush potentially avoiding serving in Vietnam, and would eventually lead to the retirement of well known anchor Dan Rather. Truth explores the concepts of investigative journalism versus entertainment in our news sources, and how those in power react to anybody who seeks to challenge the status quo.

Blanchett’s portrayal of the story’s producer Mary Mapes is one which conveys strength, stress and sympathy in a highly combative television news climate. While Redford comes across as a solid foundation and fatherly figure that Mapes can lean on for reassurance and guidance.

The biggest takeaway from Truth is that in our current climate of television news is moving much more towards entertainment rather than being truly informative. Perhaps the reason is because the risks can be far too high for those that want to conduct true investigative journalism. (JA)

***1/2