When you have Russell Crowe in a movie, it is class stuff. And with Ben Affleck as an added bonus, it is like icing on the cake. It is casual vs. the suave and the debonair. It is indeed a class act with terrific role play.
In 2003, BBC One had broadcast State of Play, a six-part TV drama serial. The story revolved around a newspaper’s investigation into a woman’s death and focuses on the relationship between the journalist and his old friend, a MP and the woman’s employer.
This is the crux of the crime drama thriller State of Play, where “nothing is off the record”. It is the stuff investigative journalists are made of. With the plot uncovering gradually, the viewer sits on the edge of the seat, waiting impatiently to know whodunit.
Two seemingly unrelated deaths take place. Nothing much to report about but they set the mind of D.C. reporter Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe) ticking. With his street smart ways, he goes about uncovering the chilling details behind the murders and the conspiracy.
What he comes across could put his own life at stake. Is he ready for that? There lies the thrill and pulsating action. It is actually ‘play of State’ rather than state of play. For it is about the dark deeds of the country’s top political figures and corporate honchos. Can they be exposed without any backlash?
U.S. Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) is the future of his political party. Tall, suave and handsome, everything depends on him. He is a strong contender for the upcoming presidential race. Until his mistress is brutally murdered and all hell breaks loose.
McAffrey has an old friendship with Collins and his editor assigns him to investigate. His attempts to uncover the killer’s identity almost threaten to expose the country’s power structures.
He soon realises one truth – in the world of power, money and ruthless political ambitions, no one is ever safe, especially he. What will he do? Or what could he do?
Credit for such a riveting movie should also be given to the clever writing of director Kevin Macdonald. You don’t come across stuff like this everyday. He should be ably credited for keeping the pace steady and with appealing characterisation.
The two-hour thrill will surely take you on a roller coaster ride. This is a class movie. Only three words of advice: DON’T MISS IT.
