Name: Christy Thomas Review: “State of

Play”

“State of Play,” directed by Kevin Macdonald, brings Russell Crowe on the run as he enters the
world of politics and mercenaries. Paul Abbott’s much acclaimed BBC drama serial has been
transformed into an American political conspiracy on the fringes of investigative journalism.

The film starts off fast with a murder on an empty street and a man in a coma. Then, a young
employee who works for Congressman Stephen Collin, played by Ben Affleck, seemingly dies in
a subway station. Russel Crow plays Cal MacAffrey, a snarky, unruly but genius journalist who
is covering the murders and is good friends with the Congressman. Cal is paired up with a fresh,
new online journalist Della Frye, played by Rachel McAdams. The film follows the pair as they
piece together a seemingly disconnected puzzle.

As far as newspaper movies go, “All the President’s Men” serves as a reminder of what it takes.
“State of Play” does not quite hit the mark since it is more or less an entertainment movie.
Realism is missing and replaced with confusing turning points and a shocking climax. Homeless
girls spying on journalists and snipers in hospitals are a bit of a stretch. However, the film does
bring the nostalgia of pure black and white newspapers that report real facts. Moreover, it
highlights the sad truth of the demise of investigative journalism that is warped in the messy
network of capitalism when chief editor Cameron Lynne (Helen Mirren) is pressured to care
more about scandalous scoops than breaking the backs of politicians no matter how slow the
process may be.

Though the film contains a few shortcomings, the actors make up for it. There is Crowe who
plays and looks the part of a disgruntled journalist well. McAdams takes the place of the
inexperienced reporter. Both seem to bring the comedic angle of the movie with their ongoing
banter. Affleck plays the politician poster child for a noble yet cheating husband, and Mirren
does a good job of playing the role of a corporate ploy trying to do her job well.

The film does a good job of creating a thriller that builds up in suspense. Every scene was
carefully calculated and served a purpose. Every question led to a new question, and the plot was
built somewhat smoothly. Then, the ending happened- it mirrored every cheesy and
trying-to-be-heroic finale there is. Despite that, the film is enjoyable enough for a two hour
watch, but it would most likely not place on top newspaper movies.