|
Protecting Integrity and Innocence.
"Nothing But the Truth" is a crafty
production that asks the viewer to
contemplate gray areas and nuances of
loyalty, integrity and trust within the
confines of the media, the courts, and our
government. It is an endlessly
intriguing drama that poses more questions
than it answers. Those answers are for
us to decide.
Unfortunately,
director, Rod Lurie's film is stuck in
distribution limbo right now -- you will
likely have to seek the movie out on DVD.
With such an all-star cast, it shouldn't be
too hard to find.
Kate Beckinsale
leads the way, delivering her second
fantastic performance of 2008, after her
devastating turn in "Snow Angels". The
only thing that rivals her unparalleled
beauty is her ever-improving talent as an
actress. She is one of the very best
in movies today.
In this film,
Beckinsale plays a reporter who, using a
confidential source, exposes a CIA operative
in a national newspaper while reporting on
deceptive practices by the highest levels of
government. Unfortunately, that
confidentiality is called upon when the FBI
demands, under the veil of national
security, that she reveal her source.
This results in a vicious stand-off between
Beckinsale and Matt Dillon, who plays the
special FBI prosecutor in the case.
The reporter is forced to endure a jail
sentence while she refuses to break her
silence.
1st amendment rights
are questioned. Familial bonds are
challenged. Government power is
abused. Integrity is shaken.
"Nothing But the Truth" is a maze of
morality that makes for fascinating viewing.
Clearly, this story
is heavily influenced by the real life
Valerie Plame case and the Judith Miller
incident. Both stories are ripe for
the picking in the cinematic medium --
packed with inherent complexity, drama and
tension.
The only negative
here is the brevity with which the film
brushes past some of the details of the
story. The middle act of the movie
seems to jump us from day 50 to day 150 to
day 350 with 1-minute scenes intending to
catch us up on the transpiring events.
I would have appreciated some more patience
and detail.
Nevertheless,
despite that, and an awkwardly handled final
scene, "Nothing But the Truth" is Rod
Lurie's best effort to date. He is a
hit-and-miss director who hits almost all
the right notes this time around. A
riveting story and a terrific performance
from Beckinsale make this a film well worth
your time and money.
©
Written by TC Candler
Email Me About This Review |
