Review of The Fifth Estate (2013) by Calvin C — 19 Oct 2013

This account about the news-leaking website WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange and his partner and spokesperson Daniel Domscheit-Berg is an interesting look at journalism in the digital age. It is evident the film takes a page from The Social Network in its storytelling. After wasting his talents on the last two Twilight films, it is nice to see director Bill Condon back to making real films. Condon infuses fantasy-like scenes within the story that makes it less of a dramatic account and more a techno-edged thriller, with the second half becoming a cat and mouse game between Assange and the United States government. Daniel Brühl, who was brilliant in RUSH is brilliant here as Assange's partner Daniel. The film is as much about his character as it is Julian Assange. Speaking of Assange, what can't Benedict Cumberatch do? He is mesmerizing to watch and is worthy of an Oscar nomination. Cumberbatch makes you believe Assange is a jerk, but at the same time, he makes you believe he is a genius. Though, it feels like the film wants you to believe the former, it is up to the viewer to decide where history will put Assange. The film tries a little too hard with its flashiness. A straight approach would have worked better here. However, the performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Daniel Brühl are what make the film worthwhile.

Grade: B.