125 minutes, Biography/Drama, M

In 2004, during the lead-up to President George W. Bush’s re-election, CBS News aired a story on their 60 Minutes program that aimed to discover the true whereabouts of Bush during his time at the Texas Air National Guard, during the early 1970’s. Journalist & Producer Mary Mapes (Cate Blanchett) along with her team, race against time to finalise their project which is to be presented by long-serving news anchor Dan Rather (Robert Redford). When some details that question the authenticity of their story are publicly raised, the entire team and news station are embroiled in several controversies that endanger their careers and reputation.

As so sensationally demonstrated by TRUTH’S screenplay, when the focus shifts from achieving the aim of a task, whatever it may be, to nitpicking its every detail in an overly-meticulous manner, the true reason why it’s even happening can easily be lost. A fine line is easily crossed. However, evidential support for facts are most certainly necessary and is something that TRUTH does not ignore, even if it is opinionated. First-time filmmaker James Vanderbilt has directed an informative biographical film that is powerfully conveyed, stirring to watch and boasts razor sharp performances from all its cast. But none more so than our own Cate Blanchett – her ability to summon and release emotional tension and imploding anxiety to the degree she does is not a gift many actors possess. It’s worth the price of admission alone. Right from the beginning, we are dropped and left right in the epicentre of this dramatisation that never loses its own motivation or direction. Right through to the end, it is galvanising to watch this fearlessly honest film. Highly recommend.

4 out of 5

TRUTH – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents
The subject of the film probably won’t engage too many children under 15. Should it though, there are some brief, frontal nude pictures seen, and a moderate level of coarse language.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Jesse from Roadshow Films, Roadshow Films & Village Cinemas Jam Factory for the invitation to the Media Screening of TRUTH.

Review by Moviedoc
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