Review of Truth (2015) by Jon D — 27 Mar 2016

When 'Truth' isn't too busy trying to pat itself and it's protagonists on the back, and when it's not too concerned forwarding a liberal agenda and throwing the GOP under the bus, it functions quite well as a gripping and exciting newsroom drama.

In many ways, it's similar to 'The Insider' with a hint of 'All the President's Men.' The film focuses on a 2004 '60 Minutes' piece that called into question George W. Bush's National Guard service, and the tumultuous aftermath that the piece's producer and crew must deal with.

Cate Blanchett is excellent as Mary Mapes, and Robert Redford all but steals the show in a nuanced and excellent portrayal of legendary CBS anchorman, Dan Rather. There also an excellent supporting cast featuring the likes of Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace, Bruce Greenwood and Elisabeth Moss.

Based on a book by Mapes, there are occasional moments where the screenplay veers off course a bit, and gets a little too self-righteous and pithy. We get it- Mapes and crew feel like they were wronged by the Bush administration, the GOP, and the suits at CBS. Regardless, the film feels the need to remind us periodically about this.

All in all, though, in terms of being and engaging look inside a newsroom and a unique perspective on a controversy in the not-too-distant past, 'Truth' succeeds and makes for a very good film. Watch it for Blanchett and Redford, her offer excellent performances.