The Report
Directed by: Scott Z. Burns
Runtime: 120 minutes
Any film with real life subject matter has a difficult road ahead of it. Hollywood producers usually weigh up the following questions: do they stay true to only the facts, and risk making a dull affair? Or, do they over-dramatise events, sprinkle in a love interest, and ‘spice things up a little’? Unfortunately, many choose the second option, presenting ‘based on true story’ films filled with an overzealous dramaticism that ends up blurring the lines between truth and fiction. Refreshingly, The Report takes the opposite route, letting the story speak, in the most part, for itself, without any Hollywood flourishes.
Based upon the United State senate’s inquest into anti-terror procedures post-9/11, The Report follows staffer Daniel J. Jones (Adam Driver) as he uncovers the truth behind the CIA’s “enhanced interrogation techniques.” After uncovering the immoral, ineffective, and inaccurately reported actions of the organisation, the Senate Intelligence Committee must fight to release their full report, changing our perception of our modern history in the process. The plot moves at a decent pace, and the constant political intrigue and uncovering of crucial information keeps the film engaging throughout. For those who have no idea about this dark part of Western History, it will be a real eye-opener.
Driver brings his A-Game to his performance, portraying Dan Jones as a determined example of true lawful good. He wants the truth to be out there, but refuses to achieve his goal in the ‘wrong way,’ presenting some interesting moments of moral strife for his character. Supporting actors also do well here, but it is Driver that really seems to carry the passion for the subject matter. Daniel Jones’ character is never seen at home; we never see his girlfriend nagging him that ‘his work is consuming him’, or his apartment getting into disrepair as he lets his obsession overwhelm him. Instead, we only get to know the character through his actions in his workplace, giving the film a singularity of vision that tightens the screenplay, setting it above most real-life political dramas.
Watching The Report is like reading a long-form New York Times article; you find yourself intrigued, hooked, and eventually, feel more intelligent having read it. With strong performances and a focused, gripping screenplay, the film highlights the ability for a film to remain factual without losing an audience’s interest. It is a nice to see a film that treats its audience like intelligent adults, not feeling the need to give us a ‘brain break’ after periods of heavy content. Would I recommend this film? I would, especially to spread the word of its subject matter—allowing others to see, and reflect on, the darkest aspects of our own history.
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