Director: Kevin Macdonald
Starring: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors which achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Russell Crowe. Since his fame in the 1990’s, Crowe has become a strong icon. Whether it’s courageous Roman gladiators, detectives that solve murders or police-officers, Crowe has portrayed many compelling characters. Arguably, Crowe’s best strength as an actor has always been a strong presence. He is one of those actors with talent for stealing a show in supporting roles through his powerful presence. Even if he isn’t the main focus of a film, Crowe has often left a lasting impression. An actor with strong commitment toward his craft, Crowe has been an icon in entertainment. Through his capabilities to portray characters which prove compelling, Crowe has established a strong legacy that’s lasting. Throughout his enduring career, Crowe has made several memorable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Crowe and adore all films he has made in his career. However, “State of Play” is definitely my favourite. Released in 2009, Kevin McDonald’s movie offered a powerful portrait of spies facing adversities. Packed with breathtaking production, bold storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best spy films ever made. At centre of it all is an incredible performance by Russell Crowe, who embodies a spy facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “State of Play” an espionage classic is universal appeal. Unlike movies about spies, it tackles strong themes everyone relates to. A riveting masterpiece about journalism, there are many reasons why “State of Play” is a movie that’s worth watching.
“State of Play” tells the story of a journalist facing a price to pay. Russell Crowe plays Cal McAffrey, a dedicated journalist with a strong commitment to his job. Cal has often had strong devotion towards his profession which he regards with affection. However, Cal’s life changes when his congressional aide is killed causing disaster. As all odds become stacked against his favour, Cal is forced to question whether it’s possible to become a successful reporter. Assisted by his friend Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck), Cal is faced with a tense situation of resolving a courtroom case that’s unexpected. Facing a painful price to pay, Cal questions devotion to his state of play.
Kevin MacDonald is fascinated with themes of politics. A strong filmmaker, MacDonald has often made engaging movies about the lives of political figures facing disaster. His beloved movie “The Last King of Scotland” offered a bold portrait of dictators that ruled Scotland. With “State of Play”, however, the filmmaker crafted his first journalism drama. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the lives of journalists facing adversity but he succeeded immensely. Using handheld cinematography, MacDonald captures the lives of journalists facing adversity. Evoking Alan J. Pakula’s “All the President’s Men”, MacDonald captures a journalist going on a journey to manage men. For instance, the handheld camera elevates the journalism scene. During this memorable scene, Carl seeks to publish a strong news story. Using handheld camerawork, MacDonald creates a portrait of journalism which is compelling. Handheld camerawork is a tricky technique. As Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” demonstrated, handheld camerawork enhances medieval epics. Nevertheless, it works in this movie. Through breathtaking visuals, MacDonald captures tensions that journalists are often facing.
Another admirable aspect of “State of Play” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is very well-made. MacDonald expertly uses costumes to capture the lives of journalists whose lives decline. Throughout the movie, Cal’s costumes exhibit his transformations into a journalist. For instance, the costumes elevate the journalist scandal scene. During this unforgettable scene, Cal has an intense conversation with fellow journalists causing dilemma. Through breathtaking costumes, MacDonald creates a portrait of journalism that’s compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Alex Heffes’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing heavy burden that journalists bear. Using stunning production, MacDonald pays tribute toward the journalism profession.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “State of Play” is a film about journalism that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and uses silence to capture tension that journalists are facing. Evoking David Fincher’s “Zodiac”, MacDonald effectively uses silence to capture journalists facing tensions. For instance, silence enhances the farewell scene. During this heartbreaking scene, Cal discovers the harsh realities of his profession that cause tension. Through silence, MacDonald constructs a portrait of journalism audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in films. Ron Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind” suggested silence enhances biopics about the lives of mathematicians. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through a strong screenplay, MacDonald captures the lives of journalists facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Russell Crowe gives one of his best career performances as Cal McAffrey. Crowe first earned appreciation for playing gladiators in bold historical dramas. With “State of Play”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a journalist enduring adversity but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With engaging expressions, he captures the angst, grief and resentments of a journalist that faces tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Russell Crowe, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Ben Affleck is brilliant, capturing the heroic personality of a journalist that endeavours to overcome hardships which prove to be tragic. Rachel McAdams is remarkable, and brings charisma to a female journalist that faces obstacles which are painful. Lastly, Helen Mirren deserves appreciation. As an elderly woman, she brings wisdom towards the movie.
Finally, “State of Play” would earn praise of everyone for capturing journalists that face a price to pay. Unlike most movies about the lives of journalists, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes including ambition, dedication and grief that would definitely resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the lives of journalists to appreciate it. Therefore, “State of Play” is one of those rare movies about journalism everyone will adore.
Fans of Russell Crowe would absolutely love “State of Play” and so would movie-goers seeking enjoyable entertainment. A riveting period piece, it honours an actor whose films are worth celebrating.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about journalists facing a price to pay in a state of play, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray compelling characters in unforgettable movies which are definitely worth celebrating today.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 