From Avril
I really enjoyed seeing State of Play for the second time in my local theatre. The 8.30pm showing tonight was 75% full with a mixed age group, many of whom sat through the end credits. Aside from the fact that the film made comment on more weighty issues such as the decline of print journalism and political corruption, it also served as an exciting adult thriller with believable characters and an engrossing plot.
It was good that the film showed Cal as compromising his journalistic integrity in the support of his friend as I think it allowed him to be seen as human with the same foibles that we all have. I think the audience identified with that and with the fact that he was vulnerable because of it.
Did Cal suspect Anne when the penny dropped re: the monthly payments to Sonia? I don't think so. I think he worked out that Anne knew about the $26,000 because Stephen had told her - and then he asked himself, how did Stephen know? He didn't see it on the Dominic Foy taped interview because Cal didn't play him that portion of the interview. He knew because his intelligence source had told him - he'd known all along. Ping! and it dawns on Cal...
I loved the end credits and the accompanying musical play out. Also, from a purely "aesthetically pleasing" perspective I loved the many close ups of Russell's profile, the eyelash shots and last but not least the scene where his fine shoulders filled that black tank-top so meatily.....
Most poignant bit for me was the way that Russell captured the angst Cal was feeling inside when he was writing the final piece for the Globe on Stephen's arrest. You could even believe that he mourned the loss of his friendship with Stephen more than he did the finishing of his relationship with Anne. Cal McAffrey, journalistic dinosaur, with his laughing eyes, messy hair, good heart and vulnerability - a great characterisation by Russell, particularly given the very short lead up time he had before the shoot.
This is one I will definitely see again. |
State of Play
Intelligent. Adult. Thriller. These three words are not often used together these days as there are fewer movies aimed at the older audience, movies that not only entertain but which can also lead to intelligent discussions. I’m happy to say State of Play is one of those movies.
State of Play has an engrossing murder mystery in a political setting as its core, but also has a timely and interesting secondary storyline about the decline of investigative journalism and print newspapers, and the rise of the 24 hour, 7 days a week world of the blogosphere.
This is one of those movies where all the cast was very good, right down to the smaller roles like those of Jason Bateman and Jeff Daniels. I think Ben Affleck did a fine job as the politician and there are a couple of scenes in which I thought he was really good. Robin Wright Penn was wonderful in her small role.
Russell was excellent, this is a great role for him, and when Cal is on to something he is like a hard-charging rumpled old grizzly bear, as his character was described in some reviews. Russell had to show many different aspects of this man and he did it all with his usual superb attention to detail, subtle movements and facial expressions. Rachel McAdams was also very good as Della, you could feel the rapport and connection that she and Russell had, it's almost palpable. Helen Mirren had some great zingers and delivered them with the same panache that Bill Nighy did in the mini-series. Jason Bateman was a hoot and reminded me of why I liked him so much in Smokin’ Aces. His character was very different from the Dominic Foy in the series but Bateman provided us with some much needed levity in this fast-paced, high tension, thriller.
I saw State of Play for a second time yesterday and picked up more than I did from the first viewing, from a hilarious, saucy line that Cameron tossed off to Cal that I missed the first viewing, to seeing more of the nuances of Della's conversion from "I've got to post it online now" (gossipy Sonja's roommate stuff) to "Oh no, No" shaking her head, in hands, at Cameron's insistence that they were going with what they had - tonight! I thought Rachel did a good job of subtly going from ‘dewy-eyed cub’ blogger to being on her way to understanding what investigative journalism is about, or should be. I enjoyed watching Cal's and Della's relationship changing and deepening. I also loved Russell’s scenes with Robin Wright Penn, I only wish there could have been more. Russell has terrific chemistry with both these ladies.
One of my favorite scenes is one with Cal and Della near the end, when they believe they have wrapped the story. Cal goes from "I want to tell you about Anne" to pausing and looking away, he is suddenly realizing there is something wrong with what Anne had said when they just spoke, but you don’t know this until he speaks. This is a master class in acting. Many other actors would have instantly gotten a wide-eyed, light going on over the head, look on their faces, but Russell portrays the same type of 'reveal' in a minimalist way, physically. We, the audience, know something is going on only because we can see the wheels turning in his head.
State of Play is an excellent two hours at the movies, engrossing and thought-provoking. I plan to see it at least a couple of more times because there is so much going on in this meaty movie which is very top drawer all the way, from directing to acting to photography to music that enhances but doesn’t overwhelm.
Thanks, Cindy |
State of Play ended up being what I'd pretty much anticipated it would be--great thriller and another excellent showcase for Russell's talents. There were also some very pleasant surprises. I normally won't try to pick a movie of Russell's apart until I'm seeing it for at least the third time, so these are basically just things that jumped out at me.
As usual, Russell's character, Cal McAffrey, is so three-dimensional that I felt I knew this guy. In the first moments of the film, Cal became real to me, in the sense of here's someone who's a real introvert. Yes, the major part of his job may be in interviewing people and interacting with them constantly in order to gain information, but the people don't interest Cal nearly as much as the information does.
I've read a lot about the sets on this movie, and they are truly amazing. The newsroom is incredibly realistic. The hotel room where Cal and Della interview Dominic Foy is a very generic, impersonal place and that comes across on the screen. Cal's cubicle and his apartment convey him perfectly. Information and words are what mean something to him. The printed word. The way both places are piled high with books, magazines, and newspapers totally dominating says it all.
Speaking of Dominic Foy, that was one of the movie's most pleasant surprises for me. Jason Bateman was the absolute epitome of the sleazy PR guy who expects to be "compensated" for every word that comes out of his mouth, every idea that comes to his mind. A couple of times I tried reminding myself that I was looking at that tall kid from "The Hogan Family", but it didn't work. He simply was Dominic Foy.
Ben Affleck came across well as the career politician. In some ways I felt almost sorry for Stephen Collins in the end. He came across as a man who had gone into politics for the real purpose of serving the public, but found himself in the position of being run by the political machine and not sure how he got there. Some people made noise about the age difference between Russell and Ben making their relationship as past college roommates unbelievable, but I didn't get that. It's only an eight year difference and when you think in terms of Cal having basically let himself go, while a politician would be highly aware of his image, it makes sense.
Helen Mirren, of course, is always wonderful and leaves me in awe of her talent. Rachel McAdams does a great job as the cub reporter and blogger. My sense was that Della Frye had been insulated by her job and by the way she did it. In working with Cal, she began to see the very real people and the very real violence behind the words she typed on her keyboard. Rachel and Russell did a very good job portraying the relationship between Della and Cal growing to one of mutual respect and even friendship.
Kevin McDonald's directing was wonderful. All of the drama came through while, at times, I could feel his background in documentary. I got the sense I was in a real newsroom, a real hospital room, a real crime scene.
All in all, I think "State of Play" is an excellent example of a movie that's difficult to make--an exciting thriller with solid, well-portrayed characters at the heart of it.
Layne |
As a recovering newspaper journalist (13 years before the masthead), I found SOP to be right on the mark. What I wasn't expecting was how brilliantly it interwove current struggles within the failing industry (and the misdirection by corporate) so beautifully with the story. Very accurate! And yes, I had a desk that looked like Cal's once...
The movie is a thriller in every sense of the word — had to remind myself to breathe a couple times. Helen Mirren must have a journalism past because she played her editor role with appropriate, knowing black humor that cushions journos from the truth of the sorrow they cover. Rachel McAdams was very believable as the newsroom techno darling. Kept thinking of John Kerry as I watched Ben Affleck (wonder if he studied his mannerisms).
Russell, again, shows why he's such a master of his craft. From the opening scene through the denouement, he takes us on a wild, unpredictable ride through the mind of a reporter. After the press has battered him too often, this role provides him with karmic justice. And by the smirk on his face, I think he's rather enjoying it. Fair play to ye, Russell.
Irish Máire |
Murph: You asked for feedback on SOP.
Today, most do not want to take the time to read a newspaper, they want their news now. Thus, good old journalism is slowly slipping away; now it seems there are no rules-just sensationalism.
I studied journalism for five years; so, how wonderful it was to watch SOP-good old journalism in action. As always, Russell did his job; his character was human from the get-go. The detail of his character was there--the eyes, the body movements. I loved the pink bracelet. I thought Mirren was great as McAdams. My gut told me that Collins (Affleck) was too good to be true, so I was not too shocked at the ending.
SOP was pure entertainment for all, especially for those journalists, stuffing popcorn in their mouths, with their eyes glued to the big screen in admiration of McAffrey, an idealistic and incorruptible journalist. The nostalgia it brings.
Have a great and blessed day.
Sam Shaver
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After months of trying to find tickets to an early screening of SOP, I was able to attend one tonight...just a few hours before the official release date. I've read a number of reviews the past few days and I doubt I have anything to say that is vastly different than the majority of them, but I thought I would send you a few thoughts as a Russell fan.
I had seen the BBC series and loved it, but I wasn't sure how they could cram so much information into so little time. I think overall they did a great job and of course Russell was excellent as Cal, fully taking on the persona of seasoned journalist. For the most part, I found Cal to be pretty calm and soft-spoken, in contrast to what I had seen in most of the previews and clips. His first scene is fun to watch (and listen to!) and really sets up Cal's character.
He's a bit of a mess but he knows how to do his job and seems to be on friendly terms with most everyone he comes in contact with on a daily basis, both at work and among contacts. Besides his intro, I think my favorite scenes with Cal are when he's dialing the different numbers he retrieves from Deshaun's cell phone and when he shares a drink and a gift with Della.
I loved the relationship between Cal and Della (Rachel McAdams). Often in movies. the dialog between characters is too stilted, full of oneliners or seems devoid of any real feeling, but I thought their interactions seemed genuine, more like some of the working relationships I have experienced. It is a refreshing and realistic pairing of two generations, free from inuendo and romance. I got the feeling watching them together that Russell and Rachel shared a similar friendship on set.
I am not a big fan of Ben Affleck, but I did find him believable as a politician. Some reviewers were bothered by the age difference between Ben and Russell, but I didn't find it distracting. I think their scenes together might have been more powerful, though, if we had been able to see the two of them hanging out together as friends, enjoying a beer or something. However, at the point this story begins their friendship has already been understandably strained and their lives are under pressure, so all their scenes together are quite full of tension. And did I just miss their man-hug shown in the previews or was that cut from the film?
Jason Batema was cast perfectly as the whiney informant and PR guy, Dominic Foy. I wish he could have had a bit more time on screen as in the mini-series, but that would have made for a really long movie.
Likewise, Helen Mirren was the perfect choice to take on the roll of editor, with commanding presence and wit, originally and expertly played by Bill Nighy.
I don't think the sound quality in the theater was very good as I missed a number of the asides and mumblings. I may watch the movie again this weekend and listen a bit more intently. I'd like to take some time to really look around the newsroom a bit too. I find it incredible that they could have created that look on a sound stage!
It's too bad that intelligent, thoughtful and suspenseful films like this one are no longer the films demanded by audiences. I'm sure "17 Again" will trounce "State of Play" at the box-office, which is a shame.
-Pat
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I saw State of Play at the afternoon showing today. There were about 25 people in the theater. As it was a beautiful day out and a working day, I was not surprised, but I will be spreading the word about this great movie as I know a lot of people who would like it if they find time to attend..
This was a very enjoyable movie. I will try not to include any spoilers here. And I do have to admit I have spent a little time in newsrooms (just a little) and a lot of time visiting Washington DC, so the environs of the movie felt very familiar to me, and that was fun. I enjoyed seeing the inside of The Kennedy Center, Crystal City, Ben's Chili Bowl (which I asked to visit last time in DC but my cousin tells me has a several hour wait for service now that President Obama has been there, so we had to skip it). The sets were very real.
The movie was very true to the original plot of the BBC series, amazing that a six-hour series could be boiled down to two, but it worked. It moved fast, was not hard to follow, and nothing of the plot was lost. The soundtrack helped greatly with the pacing.
All the actors except one were superb. Russell was great; I think this will become another favorite film for me. He looked exactly right, all the mannerisms very believable. He had the right tone in every situation, and this is impressive because as he mentioned on TV this week, he did not do his usual months of preparation. A testament to a very active mind and broad range of knowledge, I'm sure. His accent was perfect Midwest American. The chemistry with all the others (except one, not his fault) was very good. I'm laughed when Helen Mirren called him an a** and I'm sure she enjoyed that (irony). When I see this again I will look for some small gestures I noted between him and Rachel McAdams that were so small as to be almost unnoticed but that added to a growing sense that these two will bridge a career gap and becomes good reporting partners in the future. There was one scene betrween them that included a gift, and I really wonder if it was in the script or if it was worked out between them, because it seems like something we have heard of russell doing before.
At the end, the resolution is the same as the BBC series but - maybe - with a slight twist. A couple of reviews published earlier this week said the ending was a letdown, and I have to see the movie again to check out the lines said by Ben Affleck, as the script may have slightly changed the end from the BBC series (thus the letdown), or it didn't change the intent but was worded in a way that leaves room for conjecture. I did not feel said letdown, even though I did know the original ending, due to the successful pacing.
Anyway, this is a smart grown-up movie with a serious subject but plenty of fun as well -- you can without hesitation recommend.
Mary D |
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No spoilers here – it’s just to good to let any of the story out. I’ve avoided reading anything about it and I’m glad I did.
First you have to consider that I first entered Russell Crowe Heaven after Master & Commander – Captain Jack knocked my socks off and sent me to the internet where I found Murph. The only films I’ve seen on the big screen are Cinderella Man, A Good Year and American Gangster.
A Good Year was a visual delight, but I spent way too much time during the other two cringing and watching through only slightly spread fingers over my eyes. (I still think if Cinderella man were to be re-released this Thanksgiving Russell would be right up there with Jimmy Stewart! but I digress).
SO, I was absolutely thrilled with State of Play, literally. Political Dramas are my favorites.
I’m one of the lucky ones who hasn’t seen the British Miniseries. Before this, No Way Out was my favorite twists-that-make-your-jaws-drop movies. This one really grabbed me right from the start. I love this character. I’m sure there will be many who critique the film – some will like it, others not. So I won’t get into the story line, just the performance.
I was most taken aback when I realized this is present time, he’s not playing someone who exists, he’s not swinging a sword around, not a kid, and not gay (have I left someone out?!) It was so unexpected to see Russell being, well, Russell just with a different passion! His own voice, albeit not Ozy – You all will melt just listening to it. If he had chosen a career in journalism, this would probably be him. Not sure about the apartment, or the desk, but he is totally morphed into a dedicated journalist
To see modern-day fear in his face was just magnificent (Sorry Jeffrey and John). (So how can us Connelly fans get him to play Hieronymus????)
Watching Cal had me thinking of 60 hours in Italy and Soundstage! Personally I like him with a little meat on those bones! With the long hair and coat, walking the way he walks, lifting his hair from his brow the way he does when it’s long, his own smiles and frowns, and those eyes! The close-ups are breathtaking. His strong, yet tender expressions warmingly familiar. Jeez… I was pure mush in some of the scenes with Robin Write Penn and Rachel McAdams. This is truly Russell Crowe Heaven.
I fell for Ben Affleck after Pear Harbor. He did OK in the Hollywood one where he played George Reeves, but this is the best I’ve seen him in a long time. Just mention Helen Mirren and I’m there, but the other lesser know actors were quite memorable and definitely up to the task of supporting this strong cast. I’m not a real Justin Bateman fan, but even he portrayed his character flawlessly.
The depiction of the production of news in print while running the credits will undoubtedly become part of some archive that depicts the history of newspapers. Another unexpected jaw dropper and a tribute an era that is fading all too fast.
I give it six ******. A must see and a must have for all of us.
From Roe |
I saw STATE OF PLAY at this afternoon's first showing and as was mentioned by another viewer, the crowd was fairly small in that time slot. The theater all ready had waiting lanes set up for later showings so they must have been expecting large crowds this evening. The folks I was in line with for tickets were all buzzing about Russell and what a great actor he is. Of course, I agreed all around and was so tempted to speak up with, "Hey! I'm a Silver Crowe!" but I didn't. There wasn't enough time to explain all that it means to be a SC. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire film and since I hadn't seen the BBC series, the whole story was new to me. Never a dull moment beginning to end. Others have all ready described the actors, sets and action very well so I will simply add that I agree completely. A wonderful film that everyone should see as soon as possible. And, as always, Russell was sensational. You would never guess that he had such a short time to prepare. Another character he has made his own.
From Essie |
Just saw State of Play tonight. A dynamite thriller, very well-acted and well-directed. The tension is palpable from the opening sequence right up until the end. Lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing.
Russell Crowe is brilliant as the disheveled, hard-nosed reporter. He turns in another outstanding performance. Very believable and true to the character.
Rachael McAdams is ok, but not Russell's equal. She has some good moments with him, but you always get the sense that he is in command of the camera whenever the two of them are together in a scene.
Helen Mirren and Jason Bateman both shine in greater and lesser supporting roles. Jeff Daniels, too, has a good turn as a powerful Congressman.
Ben Affleck surprised me. I'm not normally a fan of his rather wooden acting style, but in this movie he was good. Yes, a bit of his usual wooden style, but it fits his role as an up and coming young Congressman to a tee.
You are pretty much on the edge of your seat throughout this movie. It is reminiscent of All the President's Men with all of the plot twists and turns. You're never really sure which way things will go and who is involved and who isn't.
The ending was a surprise and that's all I'll say on that.
This movie is a very, very good; definitely worth the price of admission.
Teresa Elbin |
Just got back from seeing SOP. I was more than pleased with the film and a whole new completely different character from RC.
He was terrific as was the rest of the cast. I too think Ben was good. I think the complaining that he was wooden was way off base, and I'm usually not too fond of him. What joy to see a fine adult film. I fear for the future of such films, so beg friends to hit the theaters and not just watch dvds. Hooray!! I'm going again tomorrow night with friends.
Judy |
I went to see the film at the 2nd showing (1:55). It was really a beautiful day outside so I was pleasantly surprised to see almost a full house! I won't go into too many details since most of you have already posted my own exact feelings. I did think Rachel held her own with Russell. There was very nice interplay between them and I thought she did a very good job. Justin Bateman was a " scene stealer" ! There was a definite sense of nostalgia in watching a form of communication dying a "slow death". I would like to encourage everyone to stay during the final credits! The "lonely" newsroom and the" singular" operators putting the paper out-everything mechanized! A way of life slowly disappearing and our so called "truth in reporting" being replaced by "Cyberspace, blogs, Youtube, Facebook, and sleazy tabloids". This will definitely be another memorable character in Russell's career!
Another sign of "hope"- as I was exiting the theater I heard a family with 2 teenagers talking and the young man said "next time lets go see the Russell Crowe movie. I hear he is really a great actor"! The mom responded "O.K."!
Cheers, Frannie |
A great movie with lots of twists and turns. Had me thinking till the end about who's the real bad person in all this. Not a big Ben fan either, a bit wooden in a couple of spots but admit he had me fooled so I guess the rest was a great performance. Helen Mirren is sure a trouper in the swearing dept. I liked Robin Wright Penn and Russell together, too bad they didn't have more time together but made the most of it when they did. Justin Bateman tho a very small part was perfect along with the even smaller part of Jeff Daniels.
Rachel was a perfect fit into her part. I understand she is from St. Thomas Ontario just about 45 minutes away from where I live. My, my she's come a long way. She and Cal were a perfect matchup too. Can't really complain about any of the cast at all.
Now Russell. What can I say but another fantastic character. Just getting better and better, if that's possible. I can't remember seeing such fear on his face in other movies. He's playing an ordinary guy here and you JUST BELIEVE THAT! He's no hero or super hero just a guy trying to help a friend. When he goes to that door and discovers he really shouldn't have is just priceless. I won't give too much away for those that can't see it yet but you will not be disappointed.
Carol |
