The Report Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Senate staffer spends years reading CIA documents in a basement, gets yelled at, and then some stuff is released… maybe.

🍿 The Report: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Investigation into CIA Interrogation Program

Following the destruction of CIA interrogation videotapes, Senator Dianne Feinstein tasks Daniel J. Jones with leading an investigation into the CIA’s Detention and Interrogation Program after 9/11. Jones assembles a small team and begins reviewing millions of pages of CIA documents, working in a windowless office. The investigation aims to uncover the truth behind the CIA’s actions and their effectiveness.

The Implementation of Enhanced Interrogation Techniques

The film shows flashbacks to 2002, depicting the capture of Abu Zubaydah and the subsequent implementation of ‘enhanced interrogation techniques’ (EITs). These techniques, developed by contractors Bruce Jessen and James Elmer Mitchell, were based on SERE training and involved methods now widely considered torture. The FBI initially used rapport-building techniques, but the CIA implemented the harsher EITs, leading to conflicting results and ethical concerns.

Uncovering the Truth and Facing Obstacles

Jones’s investigation uncovers that the CIA misrepresented Zubaydah’s importance to justify the use of torture. He also learns about the death of Gul Rahman due to hypothermia in CIA custody. As Jones delves deeper, he faces resistance from the CIA, which attempts to discredit his findings and obstruct the release of his report. The CIA’s own internal review, the Panetta Review, supports Jones’s conclusions but is withheld from the public.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Daniel Jones (Adam Driver): An idealistic Senate staffer who leads the investigation into the CIA’s Detention and Interrogation Program after 9/11.
• Senator Dianne Feinstein (Annette Bening): The senator who tasks Daniel Jones with leading the investigation and supports his pursuit of the truth.
• Denis McDonough (Jon Hamm): The White House Chief of Staff who navigates the political complexities surrounding the report’s release.
• John Brennan (Ted Levine): The Director of the CIA who defends the agency’s actions and resists the investigation.
• Cyrus Clifford (Corey Stoll): A lawyer who advises Daniel Jones on the legal challenges he faces during the investigation.
• Bernadette (Maura Tierney): A CIA official involved in the interrogation program, representing the agency’s perspective.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gretchen: “You may not realize, but we were trying to protect this country from people who wanna destroy everything we believe in.” – Gretchen defends the CIA’s actions, highlighting the perceived necessity of the interrogation program in the wake of 9/11.
• Daniel Jones: “You may not realize it, but we are trying to do the exact same thing.” – Jones responds to Gretchen, emphasizing that upholding the law and constitutional values is also a form of protecting the country.
• Raymond Nathan: “They told us not to put our complaints in writing.” – The physician assistant admits that he and others had wanted to leave the service because of the use of torture.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8 Million
• Domestic Gross: $58,731
• Worldwide Gross: $232,305

💥 The Report Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘The Report’ to be a deeply unsettling film. Knowing it’s based on real events made the revelations about the CIA’s actions even more disturbing. Driver’s portrayal of Daniel Jones was captivating, and I felt his frustration and determination every step of the way. While it’s a dense and dialogue-heavy movie, the subject matter is so important that it kept me engaged throughout. The scenes depicting the torture were difficult to watch, but necessary to understand the gravity of the situation. I left the film feeling both angry and inspired by the commitment to uncover the truth.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in political thrillers”
  • “People interested in true stories and historical dramas”
  • “Those concerned with government transparency and civil liberties”
  • “Fans of Adam Driver and Annette Bening”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of torture”
  • “Disturbing content related to interrogation techniques”
  • “Political themes that may be sensitive for some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Burns’ direction is sharp. The movie succeeds in making the investigation compelling, even with its heavy reliance on dialogue and legal wrangling. Driver is excellent, conveying Jones’s determination and frustration.
• RogerEbert.com: “The film deftly navigates complex legal and political issues. Its greatest strength is in exposing the inner workings of government cover-ups and the personal toll they take on those seeking the truth. Not always cinematic, but a vital watch.
• Variety: “Adam Driver is phenomenal. The film might not be the most sensational, but its focus on integrity and accountability makes for a gripping and important narrative.

Audience Reactions

Adam Driver’s portrayal of Daniel Jones was praised for its intensity and authenticity.: Viewers were impressed by the film’s commitment to factual accuracy and its willingness to tackle a difficult subject.

Viewers found the movie disturbing, thought-provoking, and an important commentary on government transparency and accountability.: The film effectively conveys the complexities of the investigation and the political challenges faced by those seeking to expose the truth.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted, albeit dense, political thriller that sheds light on a controversial chapter in American history, sparking debate about government oversight and the use of torture.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and received a standing ovation for the real Daniel J. Jones, who was present at the showing.”
• “Scott Z. Burns, the writer and director, meticulously researched the subject matter, aiming for accuracy in portraying real-life events and people involved in the CIA’s Detention and Interrogation Program.”
• “The film uses a non-linear narrative structure to juxtapose Daniel Jones’ investigation with flashbacks to the implementation of the CIA’s program, highlighting the contrast between the pursuit of truth and the actions being investigated.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Report?

The Report is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video with a subscription. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential availability on cable on-demand services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Report, you might like these similar films:

• Spotlight (2015): Both films chronicle the painstaking investigation into a controversial subject, highlighting the importance of investigative journalism and truth-seeking.
• All the President’s Men (1976): Focuses on journalists uncovering a political scandal, mirroring the dedication to uncovering the truth despite facing powerful opposition.
• Zero Dark Thirty (2012): Explores the CIA’s hunt for Osama bin Laden in the aftermath of 9/11, raising questions about the ethics of interrogation techniques, although with a different perspective.
• Vice (2018): Also examines the political decisions and events surrounding the post-9/11 era, offering a critical look at those in power.

🛒 The Report Related Products

• Senate Intelligence Committee Report on Torture: Read the declassified executive summary of the actual report that the movie is based on. Understand the details and evidence that led to the controversy.
• CIA Challenge Coin: Officially licensed CIA challenge coin to commemorate the intelligence agency and its role in national security. A collectible item showcasing the agency’s insignia.
• Government and Espionage: Role Playing Game: An intense role-playing game where players can make decisions, work for different governments and experience the complexities of political intrigue, ethics, and security.
• The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11: A Pulitzer Prize-winning account of the events leading up to 9/11, providing context for the CIA’s actions in ‘The Report’. Available as an ebook or audiobook.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Angel of Death” – performed by Slayer

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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Ever wonder how a seemingly minor act can completely backfire? This short clip shows a character getting caught for a false police report! Trust me, it’s a wild ride in just a minute.

The Sabarmati Report – An Accident Or Conspiracy | Trailer | Vikrant Massey | Watch Now On ZEE5

Was the Sabarmati incident an accident or a carefully planned conspiracy? This gripping trailer dives into the heart of the mystery, and it makes you question everything, and if you enjoy these kind of plot driven movies, then you definitely have to give this one a watch!

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