Read Positive User Reviews for Truth (2015)

8

BHBarryOct 18, 2015

"Truth" is a film detailing the events that led up to and succeeded the September 8, 2004 episode of 60 Minutes II hosted by Dan Rather (played by Robert Redford) and which was produced by Mary Mapes (played by Kate Blanchett). The film was"Truth" is a film detailing the events that led up to and succeeded the September 8, 2004 episode of 60 Minutes II hosted by Dan Rather (played by Robert Redford) and which was produced by Mary Mapes (played by Kate Blanchett). The film was written and directed by James Vanderbilt and also stars Topher Grace, Elizabeth Moss, Bruce Greenwood and Dennis Quaid.
Based upon the book written by Ms. Mapes (i.e. "Truth and Duty…." ) it paints a picture of news journalism at one of the nations leading networks (CBS) and the inner conflicts that can arise when stories which may or may not be true are aired based on the best information available to the network, its newscaster and its staff. Although the movie takes no definitive position as to the veracity of the charges made in the infamous episode, it obviously gives a kind nod to those who produced the segment, especially since the screenplay relies for the most part on the memoirs of Ms. Mapes and her book. Regardless of the substance of the allegations, the airing of the episode led to the termination of Mr. Rather as CBS News Anchor (after 24 years in that role), the firing of his producer, Ms. Mapes, and the forced resignations of her staff. The quest for determining the authenticity of the sources and documents relied on by Ms. Mapes and her staff give us not only an insight into the inner workings of the newsroom but, more than that, an intereesting detective mystery with many unanswered questions. Add to that the subdued but powerful performance of Mr. Redford and the extraordinary acting of Ms. Blanchett and you have a worthwhle and informative viewing experience. I give the film an 8.0 rating with a recommendation that tt be seen by all who can remember the Dan Rather of old and, also, by anyone who is interested in the place broadcast news has in our society today.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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10

RichardGonciJan 17, 2016

Do not fail to see the movie "Truth." In its way it is more important than the movie that eclipsed it, "Spotlight." I have not always loved Cate Blanchett's work, but she is luminous in this one as Mary Mapes. And, Redford is a very credibleDo not fail to see the movie "Truth." In its way it is more important than the movie that eclipsed it, "Spotlight." I have not always loved Cate Blanchett's work, but she is luminous in this one as Mary Mapes. And, Redford is a very credible Dan Rather. Breaks your heart, because there was no happy ending to this tale. Nor, has there been a good coda to the stories of either of these films. This film is not about George W. Bush's service (or lack thereof) in the Texas Air National Guard. It is about the ongoing failure of American "journalism" to support its troops.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

AxeTNov 19, 2015

Well made involving account of bloated headlines story involving a subject that should be under heavy scrutiny: network news. Redford is particularly suited to play Rather and does a good job though the character never goes beyond theWell made involving account of bloated headlines story involving a subject that should be under heavy scrutiny: network news. Redford is particularly suited to play Rather and does a good job though the character never goes beyond the surface, while Blanchett is excellent as always playing the lead whose book in real life the film is based on. No real surprises but also no nonsense.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

moviecritic68Nov 11, 2015

Wow !!! Sometimes I'm dumbfounded by some of the ratings on here. This movie was a terrific rendition of the true story. Robert Redford portrayed Dan Rather excellently & Kate Blanchett could be on the Oscar's role with her performance.Wow !!! Sometimes I'm dumbfounded by some of the ratings on here. This movie was a terrific rendition of the true story. Robert Redford portrayed Dan Rather excellently & Kate Blanchett could be on the Oscar's role with her performance. Ignore this 6.5 rating people and go see this film. In my top 5 of the year category. Not quite a 10 but well over a flat 9.0.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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10

blakelybDec 1, 2015

I suppose in this day and age one shouldn't be surprised at the number of people who completely miss the point and importance of this film.

Dan Rather, successor to Walter Cronkite as the most trusted man in America, courageously andI suppose in this day and age one shouldn't be surprised at the number of people who completely miss the point and importance of this film.

Dan Rather, successor to Walter Cronkite as the most trusted man in America, courageously and truthfully reports (along with producer Mary Mapes), on the scurrilous, cowardly and hypocritical character and conduct of George W. Bush in avoiding combat in Viet Nam using the influence of his family to get into the National Guard and who then deserted even those light duties. But, behind the scenes the same network of interests that let George Bush escape the war, are able to manipulate and distract the "main stream media" from the real story into a thicket of minutiae that focuses not only on the trees rather than the forest, but on the twigs and branches. Were the documents authentic? Was the informant truthful (let's not look at the pressures that may have been brought upon him to make him equivocate).

And so, for the average American, the truth of the story is no longer important--what the corporate media tells them is important is to put Dan Rather and Mary Mapes on trial. In the process, the last vestiges of an independent press are brought to heel by the corporate press. Accordingly, a double standard whereby some consistently get a pass and others are cast in the worst light by the mainstream (now corporate) press becomes the norm. Too many Americans swallow the myth of "the liberal media" that has just been destroyed.

Dan Rather (who famously signed off his broadcasts with one word "Courage") is brought down, Mary Mapes is destroyed and the Fourth Estate becomes the tool of the profit-seeking corporatocracy. This film brings us the "Truth" about why this country and its citizenry has become so ignorant and ill-informed. Robert Redford, as Dan Rather, chillingly conveys the fundamental truth in his soliloquy describing how he has seen the news business change from truth seeking to profit seeking. Yes, the Truth is there to see for those who have the courage to open their eyes--the film is brilliantly acted and written and is as important as any movie of the last 50 years--but too few of us will notice.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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8

emkadvNov 5, 2015

Truth tells the story of the 60 Minutes article about George W. Bush's time in the Air Force Reserves from the point of view of the article's producer, Mary Mapes. Although the film is generally sympathetic to Mapes, it is not a hagiography.Truth tells the story of the 60 Minutes article about George W. Bush's time in the Air Force Reserves from the point of view of the article's producer, Mary Mapes. Although the film is generally sympathetic to Mapes, it is not a hagiography. She and the other 60 Minutes staff are shown as imperfect people, with loves and hates, just like the rest of us. The acting is outstanding, especially Cate Blanchett as Mapes. Robert Redford does a credible job as Dan Rather, capturing many of his mannerisms. Whatever your feelings about Bush and the 60 Minutes article, you should find this film interesting.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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7

RatedRexMay 19, 2016

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Cate Blanchett performance in "Truth" is the best performance of 2015. But the Academy preferred to nominate Blanchett for "Carol", rather than "Truth". I guess it really doesn't matter, she is good in everything. Blanchett is the best.
Cate Blanchett performance in "Truth" is the best performance of 2015. But the Academy preferred to nominate Blanchett for "Carol", rather than "Truth". I guess it really doesn't matter, she is good in everything. Blanchett is the best actress of our time, and maybe the best actress in cinematic history. She is better than Meryl Streep, who tends to pull out the same, tired quirks in ALL of her performances. She shows more range that Katherine Hepburn, or Ingrid Bergman; more versatility than Kate Winslett, or Audrey Hepburn. She is more vulnerable than Betty Davis. She is simply a joy to watch. Robert Redford is surprisingly good, too. The problem with "Truth" is that it lacks strong direction. Everything seems a bit too staged. Too bad, because this could have been a great movie. "Truth" is still worth watching, if only for Blanchett's great performance.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

foxgroveOct 18, 2015

Recalling the more impressive political thrillers of the 70’s, ‘Truth’ will probably fare better with American audiences than others elsewhere. It depicts the fall of several journalistic figures circa 2004 due to a hot potato of a story thatRecalling the more impressive political thrillers of the 70’s, ‘Truth’ will probably fare better with American audiences than others elsewhere. It depicts the fall of several journalistic figures circa 2004 due to a hot potato of a story that aired on the TV programme 60 minutes. Being unfamiliar with the politics and the period concerned, the story comes over as almost insignificant when compared to the career damage its telling inflicted on several individuals, including the show’s producer Mary Mapes and anchor Dan Rather. The screenplay, based on Mapes’ book ‘Truth and Duty’, requires constant concentration and things start slowly. However, as the story breaks and the team responsible find themselves under scrutiny and attack, one becomes more invested in where events are heading. As Mary Mapes, Cate Blanchett offers up another indelible characterisation tapping into new areas of performance. Co-star Robert Redford, however, doesn’t exactly stretch himself as Rather. Of the supporting cast Topher Grace comes off best and he has a really rousing scene in the film’s final act. The score is great and ever present and if the film is not as memorable as past triumphs like ‘All the President’s Men’, ‘Three Days of the Condor’ or ‘The Parallax View’, it has to be remembered that they were positioned more as thrillers. This is a kind of cautionary drama from a different (supposedly more enlightened) era completely.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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8

LeZeeSep 9, 2016

When journalism becomes limbless!

A surprisingly good film, you can compare it with the Oscar winner 'Spotlight'. But it was not popular as that one, because it was about the American politics, so seems the world did not care much.When journalism becomes limbless!

A surprisingly good film, you can compare it with the Oscar winner 'Spotlight'. But it was not popular as that one, because it was about the American politics, so seems the world did not care much. However, going down in the domestic market was a very sad. It was directed by the newcomer and he did a wonderful job, even for penning a good screenplay. But it was based on the memoir by Mary Mapes called 'Truth and Duty'.

It's a journalism theme, sets in during the months before the 2004 presidential election. It was focused on the CBS's famous news series '60 Minutes Wednesday' where its episodes reveals some of the copy documents how George W. Bush altered them get into the military in the 80s. Soon the producer to the host, everyone who involved in that show receive a backlash. In the remaining parts, it aims to disclose how the claimer decides to fight the issue and would they succeed?

Cate Blanchett was never attracted to me, but I never doubted her performances. So in this, she was amazing and quite physically looked beautiful. One of her great character display, and it should have nominated for the various awards, but I don't understand why it was discarded totally. The other actors too were awesome, Especially Robert Redford was superb as a news anchor. He's a bit old, otherwise I would have expected him to play Don Trump in a movie, maybe a biopic or comedy.

Like the film revealed what happened to Mapes, I think those invisible and powerful men made this film does not get into the spotlight. But as I've seen, I say it's a must see film of the year, if you're interested in the US and its politics. How the story ends is sad, but I've seen other journalism films that highlights their strength, whereas this one was opposite. I loved the lines Cate delivered at one of the final scenes. I hope you watch it at least after reading my review.

8/10… Expand

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7

tvnewsguidoJan 16, 2016

I enjoyed watching this one more than Spotlight through the subject matter isn't as serious or important and the performances weren't as impressive.

There's a lot of action in this TV newsroom and watching smug journalists trip on theirI enjoyed watching this one more than Spotlight through the subject matter isn't as serious or important and the performances weren't as impressive.

There's a lot of action in this TV newsroom and watching smug journalists trip on their own self-righteousness is always a bit of fun.… Expand

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7

EpicLadySpongeApr 2, 2016

The truth is that Truth finds the true truth. Don't miss finding the truth in our latest Truth movie being released on home media now! Go get it while you still have time!

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