Director/Writer
Scott Z. Burns

Starring
Adam Driver, Annette Bening, Corey Stoll and Jon Hamm

Based on true events, The Report is the story of Senate staffer Daniel Jones (Adam Driver) who is given the job of investigating for the purpose of a Senate enquiry, the use of enhanced interrogation techniques (EIT’s) employed by the CIA against suspected terrorists following the September 11 attacks, and whether the CIA was in fact trying to cover up a torture regime implemented by the Bush administration.

Adam Driver is excellent as the dogged investigator, frustrated by the underhandedness of the US government. The supporting cast are rock solid, in particular Maura Tierney as a CIA operative that helps to approve the EIT program. The tone of the film shouldn’t go under appreciated either. In a world where little can become news without it becoming a left vs right agenda item, the film is restrained in neither condemning nor applauding one side of the political spectrum over the other, instead recognising that each side played a part in this debacle.

What sounds like interesting enough fodder for a film, often gets bogged down by its own cleverness. It’s a heavy subject matter that doesn’t really seem able to find a way to fully engage with its audience in the way other films of its genre have. It’s one of those films that’s interesting enough while you’re watching it, but almost immediately forgettable following it.

A film that’s categorized as a drama/thriller is probably misleading; there should be a new genre of frustration-drama that’s anger inducing yet thought provoking. There aren’t really any thrills to be had here, but it certainly will get your blood pumping in other ways.

There is a sense of annoyance as a viewer though, because it’s hard not to see the films potential.  I can’t help but think that in another writer’s hands, this could have been brilliant in the same way a film like Spotlight was. My frustration was clarified when I realised that Scott Z. Burns was also responsible for writing the The Mercy, another unmitigated snooze-fest.

Overall, I think The Report is worth seeing due to its important subject matter, but one viewing is definitely enough for this writer.

3 Stars

Trailer
THE REPORT

Moviedoc thanks Transmission Films for the opportunity to review this film.

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