Would You Rather…?

Truth questions “truth.” We question Truth.

By Zach Middleton

What you've heard about James Vanderbilt's American media biopic Truth is true. This is a confusing mess of a movie, full of troubling implications about journalistic ethics. But there are many other horrible things about it.

At one point, referencing how disgraced 60 Minutes producer Mary Mapes (Cate Blanchett) was physically abused by her father, one character asks: "She would get beat up just for asking questions?"

We can all agree that people shouldn't get beat up for asking questions. But Vanderbilt turned that idea into an entire movie. Bam. Artist.

Since he loves ethical questions so much, I've prepared some for him:

Question: Topher Grace, why?

Question: Why is everyone in this movie a drunk? Dan Rather (Robert Redford) is constantly three-plus drinks in, Mapes empties an entire bottle of wine into her glass, and her father is an abusive alcoholic. But remember—Rather and Mapes are the good kind of alcoholic.

Question: Why does the movie seem better if you plug your ears? Calm scenes of Rather sipping whiskey on a balcony are a nice pacing contrast to Mapes frantically fielding work calls while making her son's breakfast. But when you pull your fingers out of your ears, you can hear the painfully Sorkin-esque script and prescriptive soundtrack.

Question: Why do the antagonists have the most compelling lines? The protagonists are drunks with dubious ethics, so it's left to the bureaucrats, lawyers and normies to say sensible things. I felt like cheering every time someone with a boring job came onscreen.

Question: Why is Lucy Scott played by a cardboard cutout of Elizabeth Moss? In Truth, Moss sits silently, smiles and sometimes stands in front of whiteboards. When she finally gets a line, it's so surprising you're almost distracted from the fact that the line is totally pointless.

Question: Why is Dennis Quaid always smiling?

Answer: He's just happy to have gotten some acting work.

Critic's Grade: B-

see it: Truth is rated R. It opens Friday at most Portland-area theaters.

Willamette Week

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.