The last quarter of 2015 is shaping to be one of the best years in recent memory for Cinema. One of these Films in the top flight is first time director James Vanderbilt‘s Truth, which premiered at TIFF back in September to acclaim.
Truth centers on the intense series of events leading to groundbreaking TV journalist Dan Rather‘s (Robert Redford) 60 Minutes resignation and producer Mary Mapes’ (Cate Blanchett) dismissal from CBS altogether after a a probe was launched surrounding the authenticity of President George W. Bush‘s time in the military. Despite having sufficient evidence including documents supporting their investigation, their origin and legitimacy come under scrutiny and this proves detrimental, irreversibly damaging their professional lives. The Film details the process behind Mapes and her team’s unraveling.
Blanchett whom already boasts an incredibly body of work, delivers yet another jaw-dropping display of talent as Mapes. Like some of her greatest performances to date like Blue Jasmine and Notes on a Scandal, she goes deep in to the psyche of a woman in battle and despite the world around her questioning her actions and motives, we never once forget she is in the right. From her toughest moments where she is forced to justify herself before a review board to her most vulnerable Chardonnay and Xanax-induced state, Blanchett is resilient and Mapes should be proud how she is portrayed – as a woman of unwavering journalistic integrity.
Redford possesses great dignity and grace embodying why it is a nation came to love and trust Dan Rather. The father-daughter chemistry between Blanchett and him is the true heart and soul of the story. It is their bond of trust that both brings them great success and also their downfall.
For one to call this their directorial debut is a great feat. We wait with great anticipation how Vanderbilt will follow-up on this. Easily one of the year’s finest.
eOne Films release TRUTH on Friday, October 30, 2015.
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