Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep and Sarah Paulson
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors are as iconic as Tom Hanks. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1980’s, Hanks has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s leaders, troubled soldiers or corrupt managers, Hanks has portrayed a wide variety of characters. Arguably, Hanks’ finest strength as an actor has always been his likability. He is one of those actors which has always had a great talent for creating colourful characters which prove likeable. Through ability to portray characters which prove compelling, Hanks has established a legacy that’s lasting. Known as America’s Sweetheart, Hanks has created movies that audiences consider to be great art. Despite reaching age of retirement, Hanks has never lost his passion for manufacturing engaging entertainment. Throughout his bold career, Hanks has made many memorable movies that are worth talking about without a single doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Hanks and adore all the movies which he has made in his career. However, “The Post” is truly my favourite. Released in 2017, Steven Spielberg’s film offered a captivating tribute to journalists. Packed with stunning production, strong storytelling and engaging acting, it’s one of the best films ever made about journalism. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Tom Hanks, who embodies a journalist facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Post” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies about journalism, it discusses strong themes that everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about the lives of journalists, there are many reasons why “The Post” is a commemorated movie worth watching.
Inspired by true events, “The Post” tells the story of a newspaper that becomes involved in a scandal. Tom Hanks plays Ben Bradlee, an editor that’s determined to find success. Bradlee has always believed in the power of the press showcasing devotion towards his profession. However, Bradlee’s life changes when his big newspaper hires its first female publisher. Kay Graham (Meryl Streep) is an ambitious woman that seeks success in an intense profession. As all the odds become stacked against his favour, Bradlee wonders whether it’s possible for him any longer run a successful newspaper. Faced with a grim dilemma, Bradlee questions his devotion to a profession in America.
Steven Spielberg has always been intrigued by themes of ambition. A fantastic director, Spielberg has often made iconic films about ambitious individuals under pressure. With “The Post”, however, Spielberg created his first journalism drama. It was the director’s first attempt to capture journalists seeking prosperity but he succeeded tremendously. Using stunning cinematography, Spielberg captures a publisher’s journey to discover a scandal in history. Evoking David Fincher’s “Zodiac”, Spielberg expertly uses montages to capture the lives of journalists seeking to publish a story. For instance, the montages enhance the story publishing scene. During this heartfelt scene, Bradlee and his group of newspaper editors endeavour to publish a successful story. Using stunning montage, Spielberg creates a portrait of newspapers that’s compelling. Montages are not easy to use in films. As Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” did suggest clearly, montages enhance music biopics. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Using stunning visuals, Spielberg captures tensions that newspaper editors are often facing.
Another strong aspect of “The Post” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, the film is very well-made. Evoking Tom McCarthy’s “Spotlight” Spielberg effectively uses bold costumes to capture hardships that journalists are often experiencing. Throughout the movie, Kay’s costumes showcase her transformation into a feminist journalist that’s compelling. For instance, costumes enhance the journalist meeting scene. During this intense scene, Kay has her first ever meeting with the male editors of the Washington post. Using bold costumes, Spielberg creates a portrayal of journalism that’s compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is superb. John Williams’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing the burden which journalists bear. Through production, Spielberg captures the tension journalists are facing.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Post” is a film about journalism that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture the lives of journalists that experience tension. For instance, silence enhances the farewell scene. During this heartfelt scene, Bradlee bids tearful farewell towards his professions in a moment silence. Through using silence, Spielberg constructs a portrait of journalism audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Robert Zemeckis’ “Cast Away” suggested clearly, silence enhances movies about survival. Frank Daranont’s “The Green Mile” claimed clearly, silence elevates films about person. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Spielberg captures the lives of journalists facing a price to pay.
One admires amazing performances.
Tom Hanks delivers one of his best career performances as Ben Bradlee. Hanks first earned appreciation for playing heroes in romantic films. With “The Post”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a newspaper editor that faces adversity but he succeeded tremendously. This is actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most complex role. With mesmerizing expressions, he captives the angst, strong dedication and obsessions of a commemorated newspaper editor. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the move is mainly a showcase for Tom Hanks, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Meryl Streep is magnificent, capturing devotion of a female journalist seeking success in a tense profession. Bob Odenkirk is brilliant, bringing the life of a journalist that seeks success in a profession that requires hard work. Finally, Tracy Letts merits recognition. As a newspaper editor, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “The Post” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing the Washington Post. Unlike most movies about journalism, it tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes such as identity, grief and resentment which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of American journalism to appreciate it. Therefore, “The Post” is one of those rare movies about journalism which everyone would adore.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about a female journalist that formed an influential newspaper changing the world forever, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray compelling characters in memorable movies audiences treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 