Nothing But The Truth (B- or 2.5/4 stars)
Rachel Armstrong (Kate Beckinsale) is a D.C.-based journalist who writes an explosive article about a government scandal in 'Nothing But The Truth', written & directed by Rod Lurie (The Contender). In this article, she outs a CIA agent & keeps her 'source' to herself. But since the story is related to a recent assassination attempt on the President of the U.S., it's a bigger deal than expected; and a special gov't prosecutor (Matt Dillon) demands that she divulge her source. If she continues to refuse, she would be thrown in jail. Struggling to defend the principles she has based her entire career on, Rachel also knows that withholding her source could negatively affect both her marriage and a relationship with her young, impressionable son. This is a well-acted & decently written film, but it has all the feel of a truncated TV miniseries. It isn't as original, as exciting, or as weighty as it should be.
You see, Rachel's story blows the cover of CIA operative Erica Van Doren (Vera Farmiga), a soccer mom at the school Rachel's son attends. The feds are eager to throw Rachel behind bars. Her newspaper hires a hotshot lawyer (Alan Alda) to take her case. But even he (who thinks VERY highly of himself) knows that since September 11th, national security overrides the First Amendment (Rachel's position on keeping her source a secret). This film parallels the case of Valerie Plame, a CIA agent who was exposed when her husband wrote an article in the New York Times concerning the U.S.'s involvement in Iraq.
The powerful cast is this film's main asset. Beckinsale excels in creating a multidimensional character. And I don't know another British actress who can nail a flawless American accent as well as she can. Vera Farmiga is kinetic as the secretive CIA agent. She's a quirky actress; and one who always unsettles me (in a good way). Matt Dillon always plays a great slime ball. Alan Alda does his 'superiority' shtick. Noah Wyle (of ER fame) & David Schwimmer (of Friends fame) give short, but meaningful portrayals. And Angela Bassett is sturdy as the supportive editor-in-chief at the newspaper Rachel works at.
Unfortunately, the actors can't hold all the heft. To call this docudrama a 'thriller' wouldn't be appropriate as there are very few thrills. In fact, watching 100 minutes of various characters talking, deliberating, & contemplating is not overly riveting. Also, I don't quite know what this film wants to say. 'NBTT' touches on bad politics, media, female prejudices, prison treatment, CIA shenanigans, amendments, crooked judges, morals, principles, how journalism effects lives, etc.. While not being poor in any one topic, they're kind of all OVER the place. Another issue I have is with the script. Some of the screenplay is subtle, but some of it involves verbal grandstanding (ugh). And my last issue is with the 2 'shock' moments that occur during the proceedings. One of them is excellent ... a true shocker. But the other one is contrived to the point of annoyance. Overall, 'NBTT' is a very average movie, watchable, & bolstered only by its keen performances.
You see, Rachel's story blows the cover of CIA operative Erica Van Doren (Vera Farmiga), a soccer mom at the school Rachel's son attends. The feds are eager to throw Rachel behind bars. Her newspaper hires a hotshot lawyer (Alan Alda) to take her case. But even he (who thinks VERY highly of himself) knows that since September 11th, national security overrides the First Amendment (Rachel's position on keeping her source a secret). This film parallels the case of Valerie Plame, a CIA agent who was exposed when her husband wrote an article in the New York Times concerning the U.S.'s involvement in Iraq.
The powerful cast is this film's main asset. Beckinsale excels in creating a multidimensional character. And I don't know another British actress who can nail a flawless American accent as well as she can. Vera Farmiga is kinetic as the secretive CIA agent. She's a quirky actress; and one who always unsettles me (in a good way). Matt Dillon always plays a great slime ball. Alan Alda does his 'superiority' shtick. Noah Wyle (of ER fame) & David Schwimmer (of Friends fame) give short, but meaningful portrayals. And Angela Bassett is sturdy as the supportive editor-in-chief at the newspaper Rachel works at.
Unfortunately, the actors can't hold all the heft. To call this docudrama a 'thriller' wouldn't be appropriate as there are very few thrills. In fact, watching 100 minutes of various characters talking, deliberating, & contemplating is not overly riveting. Also, I don't quite know what this film wants to say. 'NBTT' touches on bad politics, media, female prejudices, prison treatment, CIA shenanigans, amendments, crooked judges, morals, principles, how journalism effects lives, etc.. While not being poor in any one topic, they're kind of all OVER the place. Another issue I have is with the script. Some of the screenplay is subtle, but some of it involves verbal grandstanding (ugh). And my last issue is with the 2 'shock' moments that occur during the proceedings. One of them is excellent ... a true shocker. But the other one is contrived to the point of annoyance. Overall, 'NBTT' is a very average movie, watchable, & bolstered only by its keen performances.