State Of Play

STATE OF PLAY

Directed by: Kevin Macdonald.

Screenplay by: Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tony Gilroy & Billy Ray based on original TV series by Paul Abbott

Cast: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels

“To print or not to print...” the words which will haunt every journalist and editor. Personally, I've worked as a journalist/writer/photographer for more than 4 years and every photo that I took, every question that I asked and every word that I wrote will be my responsibility. One simple example: If I'm still working in a magazine and doing a movie review, I will be forced by my editor to write good stuff even the movie sucks just satisfy to the film distributor. By doing that, I'll be lying to readers who'll buy the magazine and going to buy tickets to watch the movie. What a moral dilemma huh? That's why I could connect with Cal McCaffrey character immediately and yes, i tottaly agree with a sign on the editor's table telling 'Never Trust an Editor'.

'State of Play', a Hollywood adaptation of the six-part BBC series that first broadcast in 2003 starts with the murder of a young male and a pizza deliveryman at back alleys of Washington DC. Cal McCaffrey (Crowe) a crime reporter at the Washington Globe investigates those two deaths later found out his old college pal Stephen Collins (Affleck), now a Congressman who lost an intern name Sonia Baker that died in a mysterious accident, broke down in tears infront of dozen of media in a public hearing. This sparks a media frenzy on Collins secret affair with Sonia which will jeopardize his career. Della Frye (Rachel McAdams) a young and ambitious tries to persuade Cal to give infos on his college pal got patronise by him for being a blogger not a real journalist. All three death was connected to a military contractor company. McCaffrey and Collins lives is in danger if the secret reach the public. Della teams up with McCaffrey to uncover the conspiracy but could they publish the truth even if they've found it?

The cast is simply superb; Crowe's a lone character who'll find the news he wanted whatever the concequences might be. McAdams as the young and rebelious reporter trying to withstand Cal's attitude. Jason Bateman as the quirky and funny cocaine fixer and Helen Mirren as the comanding editor who wanted every breaking news will be printed on her newspaper. As for Ben Affleck, i suggest he find another job because he's getting worst at acting. If the part goes to his best friend Matt Damon, the politician character will be more believable!

Director Kevin Macdonald and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto did a wonderful job in some pivotal scene. While waiting for his wife to arrive to join him for a press conference to make a public apology on his affair with Sonia Baker, Affleck character was shot in an awkward position down a staircase looking up when his wife arrive with a bodyguard. The lighting, the shadow and the angle of the shot told the audience that he's guilty of his wrong doing and desperately asking forgiveness from his wife. The scene snaps at the first question he asks his wife upon her arrival. What a superb moment! Another beautifully crafted scene is when Cal confronts Rep. George Fergus (Jeff Daniels) starting at the ballet background of 'Peter and the Wolf' until they end the conversation between the line of pillars.

'State of Play' is a dark conspiracy thriller which embarks upon a normal unthinkable circumstances. Compared to other web of lies film that make you snores halfway through the movie because of it's complicated storytelling, 'State of Play' keep the viewer on the edge of their seats and got involve with the guessing game until the very end. Most important element at the final part of the movie, there is no grand revelation to the mystery as it was put in a subtle way but it's still to grip you at the end. The script was briliantly done without making the twist of plot into a sudden surprise for the audience.

~ESK