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If the truth can\u2019t be told using freedom of speech then real journalism is dead. This is one sobering message from screenwriter James Vanderbilt\u2019s directorial debut Truth<\/em> based on sacked CBS producer-reporter Mary Mapes\u2019s book Truth and Duty<\/em>. The sad fact is there is always some sort of political persuasion in all reporting and programming \u2013 someone has to pay the bills. However, it\u2019s always hugely energising to watch a drama trying to challenge the powers at play. The difference here is this actually happened in real life.<\/p>\n Looking for their next big scoop for TV news programme 60 Minutes II, Mapes (Cate Blanchett) and her research team (a commendable Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace and Elizabeth Moss) come into possession of some photocopied military memos that suggest George W Bush may have dodged drafting for Vietnam by going AWOL from the Home Guard while training to be a pilot.<\/p>\n The subsequent CBS programme hosted by veteran broadcaster Dan Rather (Robert Redford) causes a stir during Bush\u2019s presidential re-election campaign in 2004, sparking a witch-hunt against the newsmakers as the authenticity of the memos is called into question. Lauded Mapes and Rather come under fire for simply trying to report the truth.<\/p>\n This film has such a firebrand performance from Blanchett as quick-thinking Mapes that she effortlessly rallies our support from the get-go. Her enthusiasm for the material is evident as she channels this into an engaging performance. This consists of lots of scenes of her and the usual smart people uncovering the pieces to the puzzle, simultaneously helping gather momentum \u2013 like any good police drama that involves stacks of paperwork and a handy whiteboard. Vanderbilt\u2019s screenwriting know-how is well served here, even though he actually has Blanchett\u2019s screen charisma to thank for pulling it off the page.<\/p>\n Redford is also highly convincing and rather humbling as news anchor Rather, once again showing that with age comes wisdom and being content in one\u2019s skin \u2013 and that of another prominent person you\u2019re emulating. Along with Blanchett, the pair nicely shares command of the screen when both are in the frame, giving gravitas to Mapes and Rather\u2019s strong bond. This does tend to mask some directing inconsistencies, where elements could be tighter. However, Vanderbilt\u2019s criticism of CBS\u2019s management ethics cannot be ignored \u2013 something the American broadcaster acknowledged back in October 2015 in banning the film\u2019s ads.<\/p>\n Truth<\/em> cannot resist plugging the \u2018truth will set you free\u2019 in virtually every scene too, though it all hangs well like any aptly made political drama, employing the same production values and corporate blue-grey hues, cinematography-wise. Still, Truth<\/em> is a very rousing piece, bolster by its true story, as all corruption should be challenged in a perfect world. It\u2019s also very timely and effective, again, striking a chord in austerity-hit times. If nothing else, this ought to be seen for another awards-worthy, killer Cate Blanchett performance.<\/p>\n 3\/5 stars<\/strong><\/p>\n By @FilmGazer<\/p>\n