Truth Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Journalists try to take down a president with some questionable documents, and then everyone gets really upset about fonts.

🍿 Truth: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Investigation Begins

In 2004, “60 Minutes” producer Mary Mapes (Cate Blanchett) and anchor Dan Rather (Robert Redford) investigate rumors that President George W. Bush received preferential treatment during his time in the Texas Air National Guard, potentially avoiding service in Vietnam. Mapes assembles a team to uncover evidence, facing tight deadlines and immense pressure.

The Killian Documents

The team obtains copies of documents, dubbed the “Killian Documents,” which allegedly support their claims. These memos suggest that Bush was absent from duty and received special treatment. CBS News attempts to authenticate the documents while facing immense time constraints as the story must air before the upcoming Presidential election.

The Report Airs and Controversy Erupts

Despite some doubts about the authenticity of the Killian Documents, the “60 Minutes” segment airs, sparking immediate controversy. Bloggers and experts question the documents’ validity, pointing out inconsistencies and potential forgeries based on modern word processing fonts and superscript usage nonexistent at the time of alleged creation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mary Mapes (Cate Blanchett): The determined CBS News producer who faces career-ending consequences for her investigation into President Bush’s military service.
• Dan Rather (Robert Redford): The respected CBS news anchor whose reputation is tarnished by the controversy surrounding the ’60 Minutes’ report.
• Lt. Col. Roger Charles (Dennis Quaid): The researcher and former Marine lieutenant colonel, aids Mapes in investigating Bush’s military record.
• Lucy Scott (Elisabeth Moss): A member of Mary Mapes’ team.
• Mike Smith (Topher Grace): A reporter working alongside Mapes and Rather, dedicated to uncovering the truth.
• Lt. Col. Bill Burkett (Stacy Keach): Mapes’ source for the controversial Killian documents, who later becomes a central figure in the scandal.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mary Mapes: “Do you really think that a man who takes this kind of time and precision, then goes and types these up on Microsoft Word?” – Mary defends the authenticity of the Killian documents by highlighting the unlikely combination of detailed historical knowledge and modern technology needed to forge them.
• Mary Mapes: “When the noise is loud enough, the truth is what nobody hears.” – Mary laments how the controversy surrounding the documents overshadowed the initial story about Bush’s service record.
• Dan Rather: “Courage is contagious.” – Said to Mary Mapes as a form of encouragement and admiration for her dedication to the story.
• Dan Rather: “I believe in my heart that the story was true.” – Rather’s unwavering belief in the story, even amidst controversy, underscores his dedication to journalism.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,600,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,541,854
• Worldwide Gross: $5,383,097

💥 Truth Reviews

Personal Review

I remember when this whole thing happened with Dan Rather. It was huge news. Watching ‘Truth’ brought back so many feelings. Cate Blanchett is incredible; I felt her frustration and determination. Robert Redford’s portrayal of Rather was iconic. That hearing scene where Mary defends her work? Chills. Made me question everything I thought I knew.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of political dramas”
  • “Those interested in journalism and media ethics”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances from Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes related to politics and media controversy”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Cate Blanchett delivers a powerhouse performance as Mary Mapes, capturing the relentless drive and vulnerability of the producer caught in a political firestorm. Redford embodies Dan Rather with gravitas, though the script occasionally feels like a lecture instead of a fully immersive narrative. Still, ‘Truth’ is a compelling look at the pressures faced by journalists in the age of instant media scrutiny.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “‘Truth’ benefits from strong performances by Blanchett and Redford, but ultimately feels like a one-sided account of the Rathergate scandal. The film raises important questions about media ethics and political influence, but its clear bias undermines its credibility. While visually polished, the narrative lacks the nuance to truly engage audiences on both sides of the issue.
• The Guardian: “While ‘Truth’ boasts impressive performances, its narrative often feels constrained by its source material. The film struggles to maintain objectivity, painting Mapes and Rather as victims of a right-wing conspiracy. Despite raising relevant questions about the state of journalism, the film’s lack of subtlety detracts from its overall impact.

Audience Reactions

Cate Blanchett’s performance was phenomenal, truly captivating from start to finish.: Many viewers praised the film for highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in a politically charged environment.

The chemistry between Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford was undeniable.: Audiences appreciated the film’s exploration of media ethics and the pursuit of truth.

Overall Consensus: Strong performances elevate a somewhat biased account of the Rathergate scandal, sparking debate about journalism and political influence.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was shot in Australia at Cate Blanchett’s request, as she wanted to be close to her family while filming.”
• “The film is based on Mary Mapes’s memoir ‘Truth and Duty: The Press, the President, and the Privilege of Power’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Truth?

As of October 2024, “Truth” is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability as offerings may change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Truth, you might like these similar films:

• All the President’s Men (1976): A classic newsroom drama about investigative journalism uncovering a political scandal.
• Spotlight (2015): Another film that emphasizes the importance of investigative journalism and the challenges faced when reporting on powerful institutions.
• The Insider (1999): Focuses on the pressures and risks faced by individuals who expose corporate wrongdoing, similar to the challenges faced by Mapes and Rather.
• The Post (2017): Explores the ethical dilemmas and political pressures faced by journalists when publishing sensitive information.

🛒 Truth Related Products

• All the President’s Men (Blu-ray): Revisit another classic journalism drama. This Blu-ray edition offers enhanced visuals and bonus content, making it a must-have for fans of investigative thrillers.
• Vintage CBS News T-Shirt: Show your support for traditional journalism with this vintage-style CBS News T-shirt. Made from high-quality materials for a comfortable fit and lasting wear.
• The Newsroom: The Complete Series (DVD): Dive into the world of television news with Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Newsroom’. This complete series DVD set offers insightful commentary on media ethics and the pursuit of truth.
• Watergate Board Game: Uncover the truth as you delve into the depths of Watergate in this historical strategy game, where the Nixon administration and the press battle over information.

🎧 Soundtrack

Truth features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “String Quartet #1 – Allegro Assai” – performed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• “Main Theme – Truth” – performed by Brian Tyler

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Hateful Eight – Truth and Lies

Ever wondered what’s *really* going on in ‘The Hateful Eight’? This video breaks down the intricate web of lies and truths that make the movie so captivating. Honestly, it completely changed how I saw the film!

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