Not many figures attract audiences to theatres like news reporters. Since the 1970’s, stories of journalists have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s news reporters, famous music writers or troubled screenwriters, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about journalists that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Adaptation
Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. Personally speaking, writer’s block has often impacted by ability to write movie reviews on my website effectively. I have often faced trouble putting pen to paper coming up with interesting ideas as a writer. There have been times when I have struggled to engage being unable put a single word on a page. Few films I’ve seen have captured frustration of writer’s block as powerfully as “Adaptation”. Ever since its release in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about news reporters. With the greatest film of his career, Jonze used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the mind of a news reporter facing despair. Jonze has often had an aptitude for making engaging movies about news reporters with a charismatic nature, and “Adaptation” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter affected by writer’s block that causes depression. For instance, the scene in which Charlie stares at his typewriter struggling to put a word on the page causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Nicolas Cage, who embodied a troubled news reporter facing adversity. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” my favourite film about news reporters of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 15 years following the release of a classic film about writer’s block causing writers to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has made bold movies about the tough professions of news reporters which audiences appreciate.
2. The Devil Wears Prada
Bosses are powerful figures that shape employees’ futures. Several years ago, I worked for a cruel manager that mistreated employees causing sorrow. She was a cruel manager that would often treat her employees with ridicule. Despite her strict managerial style, I always admired a manager making my work worthwhile. As someone treasuring memories of a devilish manager with charisma, I adored “The Devil Wears Prada”. Released in 2006, David Frankel’s movie offered a fantastic portrait of reporters in the fashion industry. Frankel uses gorgeous costumes to capture the lifestyles of journalists working in a renowned fashion firm. For instance, the scene in which Miranda humiliates Andy for wearing a blue shade dress in front of everyone causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Meryl Streep, who embodies a devilish news reporter of a successful fashion company. Ultimately, what makes “The Devil Wears Prada” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the fashion industry that are targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about workplace abuse which would resonate with everyone. As precious as clothes Miranda seeks to design, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which always shine.
3. Nightcrawler
Night crime is a subject matter that always fascinated my grandfather. Years ago, I bonded with a beloved grandfather appreciating watching crimes aired on television. Fascinated with media, my grandpa always appreciated journalists investigating crimes causing trauma. He would always be excited to see heated crimes occurring on television that were unexpected. Through his interest in night crime, my grandfather gave me appreciation for a profession I have grown to value. As someone treasuring a grandfather that loved watching night crimes, I adored “Nightcrawler”. Released in 2014, Dan Gilroy’s offered dark depictions of night crimes aired on television. Gilroy uses captivating montages capturing a sociopathic journalist recording night crimes that are frightening. For instance, the job interview scene in which Lou Bloom interviews a potential candidate in news media is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jake Gyllenhaal, who portrayed a journalist investigating frightening crimes. Ultimately, what makes “Nightcrawler” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about news media which would resonate with everyone. A portrait of sociopaths whose recording of crimes deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre producing movies audiences appreciate.
4. Spotlight
Journalism is a profession that my cousin always regarded with admiration. I remember a cousin that had dreams of becoming a news reporter. He was an enthusiastic journalist dedicated to write stories about religious scandals hidden in plain sight. Through his admiration for journalism, my cousin inspired me to pursue a career in film criticism. As someone that has always admired scandalous stories journalists write, I adored “Spotlight”. Released in 2015, Tom McCarthy’s movie honoured journalists that uncovered the Catholic Church religious scandal. McCarthy uses montages capturing dedicated journalists working together to uncover a scandal that’s shocking. For instance, the scene in which Robby confronts representatives that refuse to accept abuse committed by the Catholic Church causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michael Keaton, who embodied a journalist seeking to uncover a scandal of religion. Ultimately, what makes “Spotlight” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about religious scandals, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of abusing religion which would resonate with everyone. A powerful tribute towards journalists that uncovered a shocking scandal, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing memorable movies audiences consider special.
5. Zodiac
The Zodiac is a frightening serial killer that always scared my mother. I remember my mother once feared a dangerous serial killer that put innocent lives in grave danger. She would admire the way the Zodiac got away with committing murders without facing a price to pay. News reports played a crucial role in the creation of a serial killer that’s frightening. In 2007, David Fincher honoured the maniac serial killer in his movie “Zodiac”. Fincher used captivating montages capturing detectives collaborating to track down a serial killer that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Robert becomes aware of the murders that the Zodiac has committed in America causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Jake Gyllenhaal, who embodied a dedicated news reporter seeking to catch a serial killer. Ultimately, what makes “Zodiac” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the Zodiac serial killer to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about dangers of obsession which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the Zodiac serial killer got away with committing frightening murders in the San Francisco Bay without a price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that definitely deserves to be celebrated today.
6. American Fiction
Stories penned by minorities are rarely recognized by the publishing industry. The publishing profession has built tight barriers against stories black authors write. In an industry mistreating black authors with discrimination, it’s worth praising “American Fiction”. Released in 2023, Cord Jefferson’s movie depicted barriers black news reporters fight. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “American Fiction” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Jefferson effectively uses satire to capture barriers faced by black authors that are dire. Assisted by Jeffrey Wright who is extraordinary in the leading role, Jefferson created a spectacular satire about race. As precious as stories Monk seeks to publish, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has managed to accomplish impressive feats through manufacturing memorable movies that audiences cherish.
7. Almost Famous
Rock bands are great musicians that inspired me. I recall with nostalgia a love for rock music in a past era. I would often love writing about bands that shaped my identity. As someone treasuring rock bands that are famous, I appreciated “Almost Famous”. Released in 2000, Cameron Crowe’s movie captured a teen reporter writing about a rock band that’s famous. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Almost Famous” stand out is its depiction of rock music. Crowe uses montages capturing a teen reporter writing about a band that’s inspiring. Assisted by Frances McDormand who is amazing, Crowe created a portrait of rock music that’s compelling. As strong as William’s love for rock bands that are famous, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences consider precious.
8. My Week With Marilyn
Marilyn Monroe is a legendary actress that attracted attention of news reporters years ago. With her attractive looks, charming personality and strong demeanour, Monroe was often written about by news reporters during the 1950’s. In 2011, Simon Curtis honoured the iconic actress in his movie “My Week With Marilyn”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “My Week With Marilyn” stand out is its depiction of Hollywood. Curtis effectively uses montages capturing the strong bond that Marilyn Monroe developed with a famous news reporter. Assisted by Michelle Williams who is magnificent in the lead role, Curtis honoured a legendary movie-star’s legacy. A marvellous tribute towards Marilyn Monroe, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has made timeless movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
9. The Report
When it comes to the most controversial reports written in American history, it’s worth discussing the Torture Report. Created in the early 2000’s, the torture report detailed the CIA’s use of torture during the war on terror. In 2019, Scott Z. Burns honoured journalists that penned the report in his movie “The Report”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Report” stand out is its depiction of terrorism. Burns uses captivating handheld camera to capture hardships faced by journalists that penned reports about terrorism in America. Assisted by Adam Driver who is extraordinary in the lead role, Burns honoured a torture report in American history. As precious as the report, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about dedicated news reporters which audiences support.
10. Richard Jewell
Few movies ever made about news reporters that are cruel are as beloved as “Richard Jewell”. Released in 2019, Clint Eastwood’s movie captured reporters investigating a bombing suspect. Eastwood used captivating dramatic monologues capturing a female journalist. Assisted by Olivia Wilde who is great in a supporting role, Eastwood created a compelling real-life drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of female journalists using sex as a means of earning popularity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Richard Jewell’s desire to prevent an act of terrorism, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre making memorable movies offering wisdom about lives of news reporters which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 