Score: 5 / 5
Spielberg doesn't always have his shit together, but when he does, it's a thing of wonder.
The Post, one of the best films this year and one of the timeliest movies I've ever seen, recreates the true story of journalists from the Washington Post attempting to publish the Pentagon Papers under President Nixon's vengeful administration. It's also many more things: a fabulously detailed period drama, a feminist snapshot of a woman succeeding where men fail in an atmosphere dominated by and solely populated by men, and a nail-biting political and legal thriller. Even when I had no idea what was going on (they toss around names and jargon like frisbees), I knew exactly what was going on dramatically and thematically, thanks to Spielberg and his longtime cinematographer Janusz Kaminski.
This is the sort of film, like All the President's Men and Spotlight among so many more, that reminds us of the intricacies and power of a free press, and how crucial it is to a free society. In an age when it seems the press and the government are constantly at odds and accusations (and probable realities) of corruption riddle each side, films like this become not only entertaining and fascinating, but crucial. The mass-market impact of film should make the studios crank out movies like this as if it's their job, so when it happens, I'm more than happy to praise the makers.
The Post is urgent and taut, determined to change your mind about something. Even when it hits a little too hard on the nose -- the last scene is a bit too Hallmark-y for me, but the film earned it, dammit, as Streep pithily expresses that the press may not always get it right, but they will keep trying because it's their responsibility and their calling. Writer Josh Singer (Spotlight, The Fifth Estate, The West Wing) hits hard when it counts, which makes him a fitting member of the Spielberg/Kaminski team. Streep and Hanks -- how they haven't worked together before now astounds me -- of course slay, and while neither role really screams Awards-worthy, their delivery is the stuff of stars. There's really nothing constructive for me to say here except to keep praising the movie. Just go see it. It's important and beautiful and important, in that order.
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