Review of The Fifth Estate (2013) by Dany O — 31 Jan 2014

After watching "The Fifth Estate", I'm a little bit confused as to what the film is trying to accomplish. It apparently sets out to reveal secrets and expose deceptions, but there really is nothing new here. Just some tid-bits about Assange allegedly being a weirdo and behaving very self-important. But then, the debate between Daniel and the Guardian guy as well as the 'interview' Assange gives to the audience by the end of the film seem to contradict everything that the movie was going for. I suppose that the film may/will provoke debate but I think that if a film about Assange was being released I would like something with more depth to it.

There were several sub-plots that seemed unnecessary; like the girlfriend one and the one with actors Linney, Mackie, and Tucci about their supposed Lybian-informant Tarek who's life might be in peril because of the leaks. Tarek appropriate calls Linney's character after they've escaped Lybia and no answer is given as to what they should do next. Real fascinating story right there.

Despite its misgivings, I still enjoyed most of the film.