State of Play

I wasn’t sure I was going to like this film. It started out with a dark, bleak scene with lots of noise and people being hurt. The story developed into a thriller that had me compelled to stay until the last credit had been shown on the screen. The acting makes this film well worth the price. If you like suspense and thrillers you will not be disappointed. Russell Crowe plays the part of Cal, a rugged journalist. His hair is long and his face needs a shave. He takes notes with a pen and pad and exists on junk food. He is persistent in pursuing clues to write his story.

His editor is brilliantly played by Helen Mirren. She is an amazing actor and I hung on every word she said. She is tough and speaks her mind. Della Frye is a young new cub reporter hired by the editor. Cal isn’t too impressed with this young rookie. Della is played by Rachel McAdams. She is so adorable, delightful and Canadian. Della and Cal learn to work together and in fact to respect one another.

Ben Affleck plays the part of the congressman, Stephen Collins. He apparently had been having an affair with a young woman who is found dead. Revelations about his work fighting a corporation dealing with wartime defense contracts become a central focus. His world seems to be falling apart around him. His mistress has been murdered. Her role with the corporation becomes suspect. His affair becomes known. His wife is furious. His wife is played by the beautiful Robin Wright Penn.

Cal and Della try to solve the riddle of several deaths. The plot thickens and leaves you in suspense.

The pace is fast. The mood is dark. There are twists and turns to the plot. Fortunately it was not a gory frightful film. All the scenes are not necessarily believable but it all works in this film. Perhaps it is the time that is represented but the reporter certainly oversteps the mark in trying to find clues to solve the problems. There are several big issues. Political corruption is always a fascinating topic. The marital infidelity has serious ramifications. The mature journalist learns to work with the young ingénue. I loved watching the journalists coping with the tough editor.

The cast is fantastic in all their roles.