Review of Shattered Glass (2003) by Kev S — 29 Mar 2009

Shattered Glass tells the story of Stephen Glass, a talented young writer for The New Republic, who was disgraced when it transpired that he had routinely fabricated, whether partially or completely, feature articles.

The picture is expertly directed, with an understated score which is particularly effective towards the end of the film, when Glass is presented as a compulsive liar, incapable of admitting his guilt completely even when his untruths are laid bare.

The script is slick and realistic, never straying into the sensational, incredible territory on which Glass was able to launch his career so rapidly.

Unfortunately it is the Glass character himself which is a rare weakness; not in terms of his scripting or his fascinating psychology, but in the limited Hayden Christensen's performance: it's Anakin Skywalker again, this time struggling to force words out as a confident, manipulative journalist rather than a Jedi knight. His ability at portraying petulance is unquestioned, but he lacks the presence, the talent, even, to play characters who need to display at least SOME degree of charisma.

The rest of the cast is excellent, but particular praise must be reserved for Peter Sarsgaard as Charles Lane, the unpopular choice as new editor for The New Republic when his predecessor (Michael Kelly) is sacked after repeated confrontations with his superior, in which he vehemently defends his writers.

Sarsgaard presents varying sides to Lane, initially as an uncharismatic, somewhat disrespected member of the journalistic team, whose popularity is feeble compared to the energetic, entertaining young Glass.

Then as a loyal mediator when Glass is first challenged over the authenticity of his source material, and eventually as a strong, respected leader when he draws the affair to a close.

Despite Christensen's failings in the titular role, Shattered Glass works as both an excellent character study and a compelling, dramatic telling of the potential moral pitfalls of achieving a career in top level journalism. 8/10.