State of Play [DVD]

This movie had more holes than the car Sonny Corleone (James Caan) was ambushed in in "The Godfather.This is typical of today's writers who graduated from middle school English class (where cohesive writing was supposed to be taught) under the George Bush - NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND - Education philosophy. I hate to make this a political statement but when you don't learn the funamentals back in the seventh grade you can't really tell a story when you're an adult and expect that others will follow your logic. These kids learned "See Dick and Jane go up the hill" and "See Spot follow behind them" but that's as far as it got when it comes to putting two related thoughts together and have them make sense. According to this movie's example, the writers would have Dick and Spot going up and Jane meeting them on the other side but no one would know exactly how she got there. And when all three finally do meet up on the other side, Spot is no longer Spot but Puff the Magic Dragon and we're left wondering just how that happened and what happened to Spot.Honestly this movie is just that disjointed but only because numerous key pieces were left out. But to be totally fair to the writers, it is possible they told a much better story but the editors murdered Dick and Jane in the editing room.It takes a lot from every single member of the movie crew and team to make it work and if just one falls down on the job, well, you have the weak link theory to deal with. For all the star power associated with this cast, it really should have been a lot better.Not many women could have handled the role and the testosterone necessary to play the part of the editor but Helen Mirren showed she's got what it takes. Russell Crowe carried his weight well enough and Ben Affleck actually had you believing he could just be a congressman but the script and he didn't seem to get along toward the end and I don't think he carried the new demands of the role as his character developed.But all in all, the whole movie smacked of an "All The President's Men" (with Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford - 1976) wannabe copy-cat with an updated theme. But this movie is not alone in that. 2017 saw the Rob Reiner "Shock and Awe" film do basically the same plot.As a point of trivia, early in the movie you can see a couple of shots of Crowe at his desk with an actual photograph of the real Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward of the Washington post (the two reporters who broke the Nixon Watergate scandal and of which the film 'All The President's Men was based).3 stars because the movie has enough action and pacing to keep some interest but honestly, it could have been a 5 star movie if they'd only figured out how to tell a complete story without chopping into pieces - it's a movie, not a quilt.

Exciting and complex thriller about political scandal and investigative journalism.Kevin Macdonald’s political thriller State of Play (2009) boasts a massive cast of A list stars, who deliver gripping dramatic performances in this intricate narrative of deception and corruption. Macdonald’s direction makes sense out of a convoluted political plot with focused direction, gripping performances, and a wonderful series of twists. The script is clever, but needlessly complicated for such a cliche story. It’s in Macdonald’s smooth execution that makes all 127 minutes of State of Play fly by with ease. Justine Wright’s editing keeps things snappy and involving as she never lingers too long on a shot.State of Play is nearly forgotten as a popular political thriller, thanks to superior films in the genre like All the President’s Men, 3 Days of the Condor, JFK, Zodiac, and Spotlight remaining in the minds of the moviegoer more distinctly. However, State of Play is thoroughly entertaining and continues to be a fun piece about politicians soiled by corporate interests and journalists obsessed with their story and the virtues of truth telling.Russell Crowe is riveting as a hard edge journalist doing research for the biggest story of his career that he has too many close connections in association. State of Play is a neat mid career move from Crowe who had dazzled audiences previously with L.A.Confidential, Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, and Master and Commander. State of Play as well as The Next Three Days let Crowe have fun with some thrillers while he was gaining weight instead of resting on his laurels. I’m glad he had a nice comeback with The Nice Guys and Boy Erased. As for State of Play his romantic chemistry with Robin Wright is nice and his comradery with Rachel McAdams is very fun. Crowe gives serious gravitas to his words on the value of truth and integrity in journalism. You want his character to succeed for all his hard work and earnest motivations. Crowe gets several long passages of dialogue that he delivers with a convincing interest.Rachel McAdams is wonderful in State of Play. It’s a similar role that she would return to in Spotlight, but McAdams is so lively here. She uses playful looks from her hypnotic eyes and sly body language to convey a fun character. McAdams is believable as a blogger trying to become a more serious journalist. She’s witty and gives Crowe as good as she gets in insults and wry remarks. I must mention that the costume designer, Jacqueline West, Lisa Lovaas, Mara Majorowicz, and Amanda Sroka, really outdo themselves for State of Play did a great job of creating several cute outfits for McAdams. They’re as memorable as her acting.Rodrigo Prieto’s cinematography is stunning in every close up shot and medium shot throughout State of Play. My problem was more with the annoying shaky camera work during the chase sequences that are just hard to follow. Alex Heffes’ score is exciting and upbeat to ensure the audience is awake and engaged throughout State of Play.Ben Affleck is surprisingly good and realistic as a young congressman awash in scandal and intrigue. He plays the rude arrogant jerk that cheats on his spouse well. Helen Mirren is entertaining as the newspaper head. Robin Wright is rather affecting and sincere, especially opposite Crowe. Jason Bateman has a hilarious cameo. Jeff Daniels is fairly convincing as a conniving congressman. Michael Berresse is cold and haunting as a contract killer. Would you believe that Viola Davis and David Harbour both have neat cameos in intriguing supporting actress? Well they do, and they really feel like real people in this gritty investigation.In all, State of Play is interesting and thoughtful, but mostly to do with our possible fall for temptation. Maybe check it out if you have not seen it yet or do not remember it anymore.

This is an excellent script, with some of our most loved actors.My only beef is that the description of this movie on Amazon Prime is completely wrong. It was described as a politician in parliament and his ex-campaign manager.This is a well done intricate plot of an American Congressman, the "Washington Globe" newspaper and a private military contractor connected to a series of murders.Thankfully, I was still interested in this story once I started the movie.In these current times of morally inconsistent people out for their own benefit first and foremost, there are two really good people in this movie which I will not reveal but I was happy who they worked for.There are enough twists and turns throughout the movie right up until the end. Enjoyable and realistic.

Script was okay. Affleck wasn't very good. Crowe was fine. Seems like it never built any real tension.

AMAZON NEEDS TO CORRECT THIS DESCRIPTION.It is about a US Congressman--not a Parliamentarian.A member of parliament and his former campaign manager-turned journalist find themselves on opposite sides after the parliamentarian's research assistant/mistress turns up dead.

Dvd wouldn't play.

A very good film. I loved it.

This was listed as an HD-DVD which I bought on that basis. It is certainly not as listed but an ordinary DVD but as it was under £3 one'll keep it.

I must say I was expecting a bit more from this film, which ended out to be an ok film. Typical congressmen/goverment predictable conspiracy but worth a gamble in Blu-Ray edition.

Ein gelungener Film der in keiner Sammlung fehlen darf.Ein schwarzer Kleinkrimineller wird erschossen, die Fachreferentin vom Politikaufsteiger Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) vor einen Zug gestoßen - ein Zusammenhang zwischen den beiden Todesfällen ist nicht ersichtlich. Chefredakteurin Cameron Lynne (Helen Mirren) setzt ihren Starreporter Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe) auf seinen alten Freund Collins an. Hin- und hergerissen zwischen der persönlichen Verbundenheit mit dem Politiker und mit dessen Frau Anne (Robin Wright Penn) sowie seinem professionellen Wissensdurst beginnt McAffrey zusammen mit der Online-Journalistin Della Frye (Rachel McAdams) die Recherche. Zunächst fällt es den beiden Reportern nicht leicht, zusammenzuarbeiten. Doch bald ist ihre unterschiedliche Berufsauffassung das kleinste Problem. Sie finden heraus, dass der Fall viel größere Kreise zieht, als vermutet.