In the city of Boston, 53% of the population
is Roman Catholic. In 2002, Spotlight, an investigative team with the Boston
Globe uncovered the sex abuse to minors by 87 Catholic priests in the city of
Boston alone, and the cover up by the highest Catholic authority in the
archdiocese, Cardinal Law. The team got about 1,000 surviving victims on record
dating back to the 1960s.
Wow, Spotlight
is easily atop 2015's best movies for several reasons. It has a dynamic pace
despite its grim topic, with a solid direction, tight editing, and smart
screenplay. The scope of the story has been compared to All the President's Men, and I agree, but I also think that the
feel and the storytelling resemble that movie as well.
Spotlight probably would have been
just another movie without its superb ensemble cast. Michael Keaton (the
original Batman) in the leading role as editor Walter "Robbie"
Robinson steered the investigative team in the right direction, acted as the
voice in the head for local personalities who had helped cover up the scandal
for years, and ultimately had to face his own (if unintended) responsibility in
the continuation of the abuse.
Liev Schrieber as Marty Baron, the head
editor who put the Spotlight team on the story impressed me as well. This is
the second outstanding performance by him I've seen this year; he previously
starred as Boris Spassky in Pawn
Sacrifice opposite Tobey Maguire, to great effect. It is a travesty
that Schreiber is not a mega star; hopefully his leading role as Ray Donovan will help him attract
juicier roles.
Mark Ruffalo starred as journalist Mike
Rezendes, in a meatier role than the ones he typically gets (e.g. The Incredible Hulk, Marvel's
The Avengers, or Now
You See Me); Rachel McAdams starred as journalist Sasha Pfeiffer in yet
another serious role after being the idealistic (and misguided) lawyer in A Most Wanted Man. John Slattery, Stanley
Tucci as lawyer Garabedian, and Billy Cudrup starring as a victim, completed
the ensemble.
Wow, so many good movies in the Best Picture category. I am heading over to my friend's house in couple hours to watch the Oscars.
ReplyDeleteYes, Judy, Spotlight was not only very good but important as well.
DeleteHave fun tonight!
What a surprised that it took Best Picture!
DeleteI wasn't surprised at all. That's exactly the kind of movies that win awards. :-)
DeleteI've heard and read such good things about this movie and I am a big Michael Keaton fan. Haven't seen it yet, but I definitely will.
ReplyDeleteIt was very good not only due to Michael Keaton but the whole ensemble cast. They showed great chemistry together.
DeleteNice review Carmen. I found the film sedate but powerful. And was thrilled it won Best Picture. I worked at a newspaper for many years so I think: Hooray for journalism! such a big win. It's not often this happens.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. Spotlight deserved every bit that award.
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