I wanted to see The Post for a few reasons including stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, director Steven Spielberg, and because I like dialogue heavy, investigative dramas. This movie had all of that, was shot with numerous different styles of movements, (a little distracting for a talky), and many of the crew have worked on multiple Spielberg productions, (this one shot in New York). The film is based on the true story of Katharine Graham who oversaw the publication in The Washington Post newspaper of documents detailing a cover-up of the American government’s involvement in Vietnam, (I recommend you research to fact check if you are interested). My favorite moments of the film explore her experiences in the male dominated world of the 1970’s and less so with the obvious parallel drawn to current presidential behaviours. This reminds me of Bridge of Spies, Spielberg’s Cold War era film also with Hanks, that I found I wanted more time with the characters and less exploring the historical events that the film is centered around. There are a few chuckles thanks to the two lead’s mature delivery, Bob Odenkirk steals scenes in a supporting role, and the movie recently acquired 2 Oscar nominations for both Best Picture and Best Leading Actress (Streep). The Post has a number of tracking shots that keeps things moving, uses actual footage from the period, has a great, tense building trailer, and shares a screenwriter (Josh Singer) with Spotlight. I wish Streep was given more time to show a strong character rising up to the challenge and I felt Hanks almost came across as comic relief in some scenes, which was welcome. Pointing out what is wrong with the cover-up, the government, (including four U.S. Presidents), and the message of how those lying days need to end are repeatedly discussed to amp up the drama in the film, neatly recap for the audience where we are at, and should make us question if this kind of battle could ever come back again. If you want to see a collection of some of the finest film stars and filmmakers or like your journalistic flicks like I do, check out The Post.

The Post

IMDB

2017, PG, 1h 56m