Investigative journalism currently seems a thing of the
past. With legal threats hanging over reporters and the insatiable lust
for instant news, the chance for airing truth is distant. That’s why it’s
refreshing watching ‘Spotlight’. A trip to the recent past where media
moguls didn’t dictate what was said and free of bias, the featured reporters
thrive on conveying facts. Such journalists still exist and hopefully
will again appear ready to unearth the truth behind one-sentence headlines.
A deep reporting unit of the Boston Globe newspaper, ‘Spotlight’
takes its time in developing stories. Among the journalists are Walter
(Michael Keaton), Sacha (Rachel McAdams) and Mike (Mark Ruffalo). When
new Editor-in-Chief Marty (Liev Schreiber) wants them to delve into allegations
of underage sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, they are initially wary. Soon
they discover a web of lies and decades of deception. Taking on the
powerful Catholic hierarchy, the ‘Spotlight’ team aim to reveal the murky
underbelly some will hide at any cost.
‘Spotlight’ presents an excellent case for cinematic
minimalism. Free of the histrionics some dramas use, ‘Spotlight’ offers a
straight-forward and absorbing narrative. The journalists are there to do their
job and discover a cesspool of shocking actions. A story of the abuse of
power and how an institution tries to maintain it shows how a culture of
secrecy can easily develop. The statements from victims are sometimes
harrowing to hear, such is a screenplay determined to present the outrageous
acts for what they were.
Tom McCarthy’s steady direction ensures ‘Spotlight’
maintains an even pace. The performers bring much gravitas to their
roles, helping McCarthy to show their rage and singular determination in
revealing ugly truths. With the strong screenplay they’re given, they
force the viewer to question their own attitudes and amazement at how such
crimes could occur. ‘Spotlight’ isn’t anti-religion despite its central
motif but keenly wants to rail against how the exploitation of any authority
should never be tolerated.
Less reliant on technological means and more on their
analytical skills, the characters of ‘Spotlight’ make it worth watching.
Their efforts can only be applauded and makes one hope such crimes on a huge
scale never happen again.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 8
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the
comment box.
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie
releases in Australia.
TRAILER
SOUNDTRACK
No comments:
Post a Comment