In 2004 the CBS show 60 Minutes reported on inconsistencies in George W. Bush’s military service record. The report implied that the then-President avoided active service in Vietnam. Based on actual events, this film charts the process of producing that report and shows the critical backlash that followed.
Award-winning journalist Mary Mapes, played by Cate Blanchett, believes she has a credible story and asks that she be allowed to assemble a “crack team” to investigate it. She recruits Lt. Colonel Roger Charles (Dennis Quaid), Lucy Scott (Elisabeth Moss) and Mike Smith (Topher Grace). The team is completed by Mapes long-time friend, mentor and CBS news anchor Dan Rather (Robert Redford).
The team is given less than a week to compile the report, so the race is on to build a body of evidence. Despite the struggle to get a witness to go on record in front of the camera and the questionable authenticity of the documents they acquire, the report is broadcasted. Unfortunately, the euphoria is short-lived.
The premise of this film is compelling and I was hoping to be gripped by this story, given such a talented cast and crew, but unfortunately, I wasn’t. On a positive note, Cate Blanchett‘s performance is outstanding, on a negative, the rest of the film…
Although set exclusively in the USA of 2004, the film was shot entirely in New South Wales, Australia. The buildings, props and retro-technology make the setting believable and there is a little help from Giorgio Armani and Bulgari in the costume department to keep it real. This movie’s soundtrack marks a bit of a departure from the composer Bryan Tyler’s recent work. This has mainly been in the action movie genre with films such as Avengers: Age of Ultron, Furious 7 and Iron Man 3. Unfortunately, the soundtrack is overblown and intrusive during some of the climactic moments. This makes the potentially meaningful seem maudlin.
The story bounces along and never gets bogged down, but the whole enterprise is marred by a humourless script which presents stereotypical authority figures, over-sentimentalism and the just plain corny. This year’s Oscar-winning Spotlight set the bar very high for movies of this genre, earning a 9/10 from me in review. It’s frustrating that with such a good story and fine cast, more could not be made of this opportunity.
Before we come to the shining jewel in this tarnished crown, I have to give credit to two actors who successfully swam against the tide. Veteran actor and industry legend Stacy Keach played the part of Lt. Colonel Bill Burkett. His scenes were memorable and the role was delivered with skill, heart, and humanity. His wife Nicki was played by Noni Hazlehurst. She is given just one key speech in the film and if you do see this film, watch out for it. It is brilliantly executed and reminds us that “there are no small parts, only small actors”.
Cate Blanchett plays producer Mary Mapes
Cate Blanchett is simply magnificent as Mary Mapes. Her onscreen presence is captivating as she tries to carry the whole project. From the height of joy to the depths of despair, she gives us that very rare blend of star quality and incredible skill. With performances like this, coupled with her extraordinary acting range, she is in the same league as Katharine Hepburn and Meryl Streep. It is only a matter of time before she joins that most elite group of actors, the three Oscar club.
However, one great performance does not make a great movie, and sadly this film only merits a rating of “ok” from me.
Author – Simon, Norwich store
