While the University’s Center for Politics may think that “politics is a good thing,” Hollywood has never agreed. Even Mr. Smith had to fight corruption when he went to Washington. The District and its political arena are central to State of Play, which was adapted from a 2003 British television serial of the same name. Though the location has been changed, the film retains the most important aspects of the source material: a gripping, well-told story and quality acting.
The day that Rep. Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) is set to lead a hearing against PointCorp, a private defense firm, his research assistant, Sonia Baker (Maria Thayer), dies while waiting for the Metro. When Collins breaks down on camera and his romantic relationship with the woman is revealed, Collins turns to his friend, Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe), a veteran reporter with The Washington Globe. McAffrey begins investigating the woman’s death with Della Frye (Rachel McAdams), a young reporter at the paper. As the journalists dig deeper they discover that Baker’s death may be connected to a far-reaching conspiracy and that their own lives may be at risk.
State of Play is smart and complex, but it isn’t hard to follow. The film takes advantage of a number of anxieties about powerful people and organizations. It seems that most people expect politicians to be morally bankrupt to some extent, not to mention beholden to special interest groups and the party to which they belong instead of their constituents. The politicians’ loyalties in State of Play are difficult to pin down.
PointCorp, a private military company similar to the U.S. Department of Defense contractor Blackwater, is depicted as a ruthless mercenary force concerned only with profit. Between the controversies associated with defense contractors and the general distrust of corporate executives, Pointcorp makes a very effective villain.
While the conflict of the film resides in the gray area between right and wrong, the heroes are above reproach. McAffrey and Frye are made out to be the Woodward and Bernstein of a new generation. They have their own personal issues, but the journalistic integrity of the two never falters. Throughout the film the reporters fight not just for the truth, but also for the honor of their profession, refusing more than once to write the tabloid gossip stories that sell the most papers.
The stars of State of Play have been the subjects of such stories themselves, but none of that is carried onto the screen. Throughout their careers, these actors have all garnered considerable praise for their work and they do not disappoint in this film. Crowe, Affleck and McAdams all live up to the audience’s expectations. They each have their stand-out scenes, but they don’t hog the spotlight. The performances are understated and convincing.
Like the performances involved, State of Play isn’t stylized or flashy — it’s a smart political thriller with a couple well-executed twists and turns.
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