Truth

"Truth" is a film detailing the events that led up to and succeeded the September 8, 2004 episode of 60 Minutes II hosted by Dan Rather (played by Robert Redford) and which was produced by Mary Mapes (played by Kate Blanchett). The film was written and directed by James Vanderbilt and also stars Topher Grace, Elizabeth Moss, Bruce Greenwood and Dennis Quaid.
Based upon the book written by Ms. Mapes (i.e. "Truth and Duty…." ) it paints a picture of news journalism at one of the nations leading networks (CBS) and the inner conflicts that can arise when stories which may or may not be true are aired based on the best information available to the network, its newscaster and its staff. Although the movie takes no definitive position as to the veracity of the charges made in the infamous episode, it obviously gives a kind nod to those who produced the segment, especially since the screenplay relies for the most part on the memoirs of Ms. Mapes and her book. Regardless of the substance of the allegations, the airing of the episode led to the termination of Mr. Rather as CBS News  Anchor (after 24 years in that role), the firing of his producer, Ms. Mapes, and the forced resignations of her staff. The quest for determining the authenticity of the sources and documents relied on by Ms. Mapes and her staff give us not only an insight into the inner workings of the newsroom but, more than that, an intereesting detective mystery with many unanswered questions. Add to that the subdued but powerful performance of Mr. Redford and the extraordinary acting of Ms. Blanchett and you have a worthwhle and informative viewing experience. I give the film 3 and ½ stars with a recommendation that tt be seen by all who can remember the Dan Rather of old and, also, by anyone who is interested in the place broadcast news has in our society today.