‘Truth’ Exposes the Obstacles in Modern Journalism

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CHICAGO – One of the indications of how the story depicted in “Truth” still resonates was that the CBS Network refused to show advertising for it. The film is a lesson in messing with true power – CBS News went after the ruthless Bush administration during an election year, and they went down.

This is a story told from the side of Mary Mapes, a news producer for “60 Minutes II.” In 2004, she received a document that supposedly proved that a younger George W. Bush went AWOL from his National Guard service during the Vietnam War era. Relying on a few sources, and some signature and document experts, the show broadcast the story through CBS News anchor Dan Rather. What happened next is indicative of modern journalism, and messing with power. The story was called out as false on the internet – based on the damning document itself – and the production staff fell like a house of cards. The film – adapted by James Vanderbilt in his director debut – is a tense overview of the situation, performed with precision from an excellent cast, and a reminder of ‘what does the truth mean?’

Mary Mapes (Cate Blanchett) is a hard-charging news producer for “60 Minutes II,” the spin-off from the original CBS show that aired from 1999-2005. In September of 2004, while researching a story regarding President George W. Bush’s National Guard service, Mapes received a document from Bill Burkett (Stacy Keach) which outlined Bush’s possible AWOL from the Guard, and was signed by his commanding officer, who was deceased.

Robert Redford
Robert Redford is Dan Rather in ‘Truth’
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Classic

This smoking gun document got Dan Rather (Robert Redford) involved, and was investigated by the “60 Minutes II” news team (portrayed by Topher Grace, Dennis Quaid and Elisabeth Moss). After the story and document were broadcast, a right wing blogger noticed discrepancies regarding the typeface on the supposed 1970s-era document, and the story suddenly was being discredited over the rest of the media. CBS News President Andrew Heyward (Bruce Greenwood) called for an investigation, and heads started to roll.

This story still strikes a nerve, and there are all kinds of accusations surrounding its release regarding political bias, he said/she said, and different perspectives. The film’s success is in breaking down the process of the story and investigation, step by step. It also highlights the pressure that news-gathering organization faced in 2004, and 11 years later it has be even worse. There may come a time when a major news outlet going after the heart of power will only exist in the quaint past. Stories today can be buried under accusations of “liberal media” or thousands of internet sites that will tell us our own view of what truth is – the Bush administration and their campaign methods was famous for using all means to obscure their dirt.

Cate Blanchett is a marvel, all bundled energy at the onset and depressive emotion as the story dissolves. She fairly takes on what a person would be feeling in such a circumstance – not so much as a bias for Mary Mapes, even as the film is based on her memoir of the events. There is Oscar buzz for the performance and it is deserved. With this role, and the upcoming “Carol,” Blanchett is positioning herself as one of the finest actors of this era.

And how about Robert Redford, an movie star icon portraying a news icon? He doesn’t dye one hair on his luxurious blonde head, but he does get the cadence of Rather’s background Texas accent. The persona is not pushed – Redford prefers character development, and doesn’t go for a straight imitation. There is a poignant scene in the film when Rather looks upon his “kingdom” from a mansion in the sky overlooking New York City. Redford portrays that emotion masterfully, given his own career and the aging process.

Robert Redford, Cate Blanchett
Dan Rather Consults with Mary Mapes (Cate Blanchett) in ‘Truth’
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Classic

There is a top drawer supporting cast, especially in the news gathering team, but it was odd that it was so “star powered.” Topher Grace is a bit over the top, but he had to represent the “truth” over the corporate power of CBS, plus Elizabeth Moss and Dennis Quaid are underutilized. There might have been fuller scenes for them that were cut, or maybe they just loved the quality of the script. There was an odd comfort in seeing them all involved, along with the always welcome Stacy Keach.

“Truth,” because of the reaction from the CBS network, proves that in today’s definition, real truth is instinctively relative. We can all just seek out the information that makes us feel better, while above it all the desperate people who lust for power over the system will gladly let us fight it out. It is still an inconvenient fact that six corporations control 90% of American media.

”Truth” is now in select theaters. See listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Cate Blanchett, Robert Redford, Topher Grace, Dennis Quaid, Elizabeth Moss and Stacy Keach. Screenplay adapted and directed by James Vanderbilt. Rated “R”

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

By PATRICK McDONALD
Writer, Editorial Coordinator
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2015 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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