Mountain FogSTATE OF PLAY: A WEB POORLY SPUN
June 1st 2009 07:18
Ben Affleck an Russell Crowe star in State of Play
Producing a political thriller set in Washington DC is perhaps a mug’s game. Besides all the problems of constructing a film that is relevant without being didactic and exciting without being hokey, modern filmmakers still have to leap the last and most difficult hurdle: the existence of All the President’s Men. The 1976 film stands astride the genre like a colossus and its edifice becomes all the more intimidating when a contender is packing a plot involving investigative journalism.
The elements that made President’s such a success were many, from the efficient script by William Goldman and crisp photography of Gordon Willis, right through to Alan J. Pakula’s pace-perfect direction and a flawless cast on top of their game. Of course, what really sold All the President’s Men was the fact that it was a true story involving the most devastating political scandal of the 20th century. So when a film such as State of Play enters the arena of Capitol Hill skulduggery and indefatigable journalism, it had better be on its ‘A’ game.
In State of Play, the crusading Congressman Stephen Collins (a thinner and surprisingly good Ben Affleck) is the high-profile lead of a government investigation into the activities of Pointcorp, a Blackwater-type private security company who’s influence on national security has become a matter of concern for the federal government.
When Collins’ young female chief researcher apparently commits suicide, the media attention focussed on the congressman reveals that perhaps their relationship wasn’t entirely professional. Collins, staring down the barrel both in terms of his career and his marriage, turns to his old college roommate, investigative reporter Cal McAffrey (a fatter and usually good Russell Crowe) for help.
Collins explains to Cal his strong suspicion that the aide’s death wasn’t suicide and the journalist decides to go into bat for his friend, while also getting a whiff of a potent story – namely private security’s potentially increasing domestic role. Cal quickly recruits to his cause one of the newspaper’s political bloggers, Della (Rachel McAdams), who was initially only interested in the more salacious side of the story, all the while trying to deflect the deadline driven attentions of the paper’s under pressure editor (Helen Mirren).
Based on the six-hour 2003 BBC miniseries of the same name, State of Play is a film full of admirable ambition, but ultimately lacking in execution. The filmmakers have done an excellent job to shave six hours down to two, but it still feels like there is too much stuffed into this clunky package.
The screenplay has been sifted over by three consecutive screenwriters – Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tony Gilroy and Billy Ray – and it feels like instead of each writer honing down the former’s work, they’ve just tried to cram more ideas into an already crowded plotline. Not helping is a superfluous subplot, some weird additions to spruce up authenticity (apparently the Watergate building offers a discount for shady operations) and an 11th hour twist that allows much of the main plotline unresolved.
The script leaves the film’s major piece of subtext undercooked also. Printed newspapers are slowly being marginalised by cheaper web-based reportage and State of Play makes an admirable if flawed attempt at describing this for the audience. The newspaper is under new corporate ownership, which demands the turning of a profit over quality journalism, meaning investigative reporters such as Cal are in danger of being relegated to the dustbin.
But the film pays little attention to its own agenda as old school Cal and baby-fresh Della’s battle of the eras lasts about three minutes, with the youngster quickly picking up her assigned role of faithful sidekick. Meanwhile, Mirren’s cranky editor huffs and puffs, throwing clichés around the office like a professional wrestler. It’s half-baked stuff, particularly compared to some recent television portrayals of life at a modern newspaper, most notable of which being the final season of The Wire.
Cal (Russell Crowe) and Della (Rachel McAdams) share a small victory in State of Play
Still, onscreen there’s plenty to enjoy in State of Play. Rodrigo Prieto’s cinematography has a delicious graininess that compliments the grey days of a Washington Autumn, and Justine Wright’s editing is at times exceptionally clever. Production design is a bit of a mixed bag, with some inspiringly austere and unusual Washington locations balanced by a newspaper set that looks more like a rumpus room.
Kevin MacDonald’s direction is impressive without being brilliant, but he extracts some carefully modulated performances from most of his players – particularly Affleck, who possesses none of the woodenness of recent roles, his emotionally intelligent performance and lean stature very much reminding audiences of his early onscreen work. While a friendship between Affleck’s clean cut, young Collins and Crowe’s haggard and older Cal seems unlikely at first, both actors and their director are skilled enough to make the relationship work. McAdams is also good in an underwritten part, while Michael Berresse is suitably scary in a smaller role as an apparent hit man with a ridiculously busy schedule.
These elements come together to create a flawed film. Often exciting, State of Play can’t quite pull itself together to create satisfying experience. Weaving a story about a private security contractor’s increasing power with regards to matters of the state is a touch far fetched, and the filmmakers don’t help sell the idea by eschewing this major plot element in picture’s final reel. There’s plenty to like in State of Play, but if All the President’s Men is on special at your local video store, then perhaps just rent that instead.
Check out a trailer for State of Play below:
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Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
I always wondered how they were going to translate this into a movie. If you haven't seen the original series it is really worth viewing.
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
This is a film that almost tricks you into thinking it's better than it is. You can't get away from the feeling of dissatisfaction, however, and the closer inspection that encourages uncovers a flick with a number of faults.
Comment by MVD
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
This is worth a rent, but perhaps take Janet's advice and keep an eye out for the BBC original - I haven't seen it but most people who have think it's brilliant.
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
It had a couple of excellent suspense scenes and was pretty compelling for me though I did have a problem with the female cast - not a fan of McAdams here and Mirren's presence could almost be accused of stunt casting, I just never bought her in an aggrieved, thankless role.
I haven't seen the BBC mini-series either, I think a few of us need to pitch in and spread the love!
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
hahah well at least this much is art reflecting life, if nothing else, particularly the bit about the lack of quality in journalism. I shoudl know, I used to be one and got out for that very reason, but that*s another story for another day perhaps.
Oh dear, whilst I enjoyed your review and note with sensibility your reasons for calling this a bit naff, I will however [as a female fan] watch it becuase of Russell Crow and probably think it is fantastic because of Russell Crowe (in any phase cromagnum or otherwise). Hormones may well speak louder than failed and meaningless subplots, my friend.
However, having said that, I must admit I am curious about putting said sex god up against the woodiest of them all, Affleck. I look forward to that dynamic? ((laughs)) I wrote a piece on his role in Pay Check once (which incidentally I thought was the only good role he played, as it required someone who was a time shifted deadhead); however a slight redemption on his part in *hes really not that into you*. . . he may well be improving with all those acting lessons, after all and I am pleased to hear you agree. Obviously a late bloomer
I look forward to this one, no doubts and enjoyed your review.
Lilla . .
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
I thought McAdams was fine and that her character was just underwritten. Totally agree on Mirren - I think she's awesome but she's totally out of place here and handed some terribly crummy dialogue.
Looking forward to your review!
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
Yeah, Crowe is just about always good, and adds a nice rough and tumble countenance to the current crop of Hollywood A-listers. If you are unashamedly pro-Crowe, then you'll probably get some enjoyment out of this.
I must admit that Affleck was a bit of a revelation in this. It's not going to win him any awards, but here he illustrates he plays emotionally vulnerable pretty well.
A flawed film, but no shocker by any means. Let me know what you think.
Comment by bridson
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight