State of Play
Russel Crowe’s depiction of Cal McAffrey encompasses every stereotype of the traditional investigative journalist who prefers the old ways of doing things and resents new technology. He is shaggy, messy and his computer is as old as he is. Characteristics which emphasise the fact that the only thing he has time for is his passion for investigative journalism.
His noble priority is seeking out and reporting the truth on hard hitting issues and his investigations lead him to uncover sickening stories of corporate corruption entangled with companies whose bank accounts benefit from wars. His battle for the truth faces further obstacles as his employer ‘The Globe’ is taken over by a large corporation whose only priority is making money, a sad but unfortunate trend in today’s media industry.
Cal is the sort who feels that unless you get your news with your fingers smudged with newsprint then it’s not news. His character is contrasted with the young and sweet Della Frye (Rachel McAdams), who Cal can’t help but feel contempt for as she brings in the bucks with her tacky and usually shallow online gossip blog. However the unexpected pair form a force to be reckoned with as they join strengths to uncover the truth and report on real issues.
Helen Mirren brings humour to the film as the editor with the strong and dominating persona who is torn between the paper’s new owner’s interests of making money and the possibility of real journalism that Cal promises. Do they report on the congressman’s (Ben Affleck) affair and make a quick buck or do they hold off to try and uncover the real issues of murder and conspiracy perpetrated by the evil empire that is Pointcorp, who seemingly silence their own double agents to preserve their profits?
Every theme addressed by the film is about the struggle between opposing agendas, and money is always on the opposite side to what is morally just.
The themes tackled by the film were interesting and the vibe was suspenseful. It gave me hope that there are actually politicians and journalists who are willing to fight the greedy conglomerates who exploit ordinary people to feed their own bank accounts.
However the plot twist at the end of the film ruined for me all the hopes that the movie had created until that point. It honestly made no sense and I left feeling confused and disappointed. I couldn’t believe that such a great story could end so badly and blandly.
Overall, the film was thoroughly enjoyable and riveting until the last 10 minutes. The plot twist was out of place and failed to follow the logic and structure of the themes which had been so well developed and explored until then.
However the film urges us to believe that amongst the rabble of capitalist, self-serving ‘journalists’, there are still honourable reporters whose passion is uncovering and reporting the truth in an unbiased manner, while not giving a damn about the fiscal consequences or their own interests. Although I’m still not convinced I’m open to the possibility.