State of Play
Rating: 9/10
Cast: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel
McAdams, Robin Wright Penn, Jeff Daniels, Jason Bateman, Helen
Mirren.
Director: Kevin Macdonald
State of Play is based on the critically acclaimed BBC series of
the same name.
It's no doubt an intimidating task adapting a much loved British drama into a feature length American film.
What sacrifices should be made reducing a six-episode series
into a feature length film? Can blockbuster actors do justice to
much loved roles?
It's worth pointing out here that I haven't seen the television
series in its entirety; though I was familiar with the conclusion
before seeing the film. This hasn't changed my opinion in the
slightest: this movie is quite brilliant.
Congressman Stephen Collins (Affleck) is a rising star in his
political party. Responsible for chairing a committee exploring US
defence spending commitments, Collins' career is derailed when his
research assistant - and mistress - is killed.
Journalist Cal McAffrey (Crowe) is sent to investigate the
accident, along with the murder of a junkie on Washington's mean
streets. McAffrey treads the fine line between maintaining his
long-standing friendship with Collins while remaining committed to
the demands of his editor Cameron (Mirren).
As McAffrey and hot shot reporter Della Frye (McAdams) discover
the connection between the murders, the two uncover a web of
corporate deceit so intricate it becomes to differentiate the good
from the bad and the trustworthy from the corrupt.
While developing the film, the producers struck a road block.
After signing on to play Cal McAffrey, Brad Pitt left the
production - a decision director Kevin Macdonald approved
wholeheartedly. According to recent interviews Pitt requested that
McAffrey's wardrobe include cashmere suits. Mcdonald disagreed and
Russell Crowe took the role.
As the fleshy, flawed McAffrey, Crowe manages to avoid the
trappings of playing the classic antihero. Crowe's
McAffrey is both hack and friend, constantly torn between
journalistic integrity and a desire to protect his old mate from
the very vultures he works with.
Crowe has managed to transcend the earnest masculinity that has
dominated his previous roles. While devouring twinkies and slugging
whiskey from cracked mugs - wearing a crumpled old suit
- Crowe manages to create a real character who in spite of
obvious flaws is still dedicated to justice.
State of Play relies heavily on the interplay between its main
players and this isn't Crowe's movie alone. Ben Affleck is
particularly good as the guarded Collins, while Rachel McAdams,
Robin Wright Penn and Helen Mirren are as consistent as usual.
Jason Bateman deserves a mention for his a nicely ironic
performance as a hapless PR schmuck.
State of Play's characters are intrinsically conflicted, each
determined to protect their own backs and advance their
careers while attempting to reveal - or conceal - the
truth.
Who has control? Who is manipulating whom? It's a credit to
these actors that they manage to make a bunch of scoundrels so
likeable.
Political thrillers don't get better than this.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
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