???Scandal, affairs and politics make for great controversy, and the new film State of Play makes use of these elements to craft an insightful and interesting thriller.
???Based on the six-part BBC series, the film focuses on the struggle of Washington Globe news reporter Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe, Body of Lies) as he reports on a story of infidelity and murder involving his former college roommate, Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck, Smokin' Aces).
???Crowe's performance showcases the versatile style he's made his own through the years. Outfitted for his best impersonation of a scruffy and underpaid journalist, Crowe's persona as a respected and experienced writer is revealed as he takes on the responsibility of covering the complex and deep-rooted story.
???McAffrey struggles to maintain his professionalism while comforting Collins and writing an objective article.
???He bears this responsibility while taking on an ambitious co-worker. Viewers will feel the tensed chemistry between McAffrey and fellow colleague Della Frye (Rachel McAdams, The Lucky Ones), a young and ambitious reporter/blogger trying to break her first big story.
???While at first McAffrey despises the modern reporting and slandering style of Frye, he eventually takes her under his wing, teaching her to search for the facts.
???Throw in a dramatic, but underdeveloped relationship with Collins' wife Anne (Robin Wright Penn What Just Happened) and McAffrey finds himself struggling to deal with each issue. Crowe expresses his frustration, bringing to the surface the complex issues of his character.
???Another standout performance comes courtesy of Helen Mirren (Inkheart), playing Editor in Chief Cameron Lynn. When scenes get a little too testy, Mirren brings some much-needed laughs to soften the mood. Lynn forces her writers to meet deadlines while facing pressure from the police and her superiors, her expressive portrayal of a ruthless editor shines.
???Affleck's performance as Collins leaves much to be desired. The role could have easily been played by plenty of actors, with the results probably being the same.
???It's hard to tell if his emotional reaction to the death of his mistress comes off as bad acting, or just a reflection of half-hearted responses that politicians usually display after scandals.
???While the film is entertaining, a large disappointment is its tendency to show too much of McAffrey and Frye, in turn limiting the Collins character to the point where viewers may forget the scandal anchoring the plot.
???While portions of the film play out predictability, director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland) tricks the audience in this murder-mystery, forcing viewers to gather many pieces to an already puzzling scandal at the tail end.
???And while this may feel cheap, on a deeper level the film observes the rough-and-tumble relationship between the press and politics, and how desperately each needs the other. Imagine the 1994 Ron Howard film, The Paper, but with much more serious dialogue.
???With a stellar cast, a current storyline and a mediocre Washington, D.C. setting, State of Play proves to be simply good entertainment.
