It seems that in the midst of a crisis of originality within the Hollywood movie machine it is only natural that movie moguls turn their attention to the small screen for the hope of some inspiration. In this instance it is the BBC’s 2003 six part thriller, State of Play that is given the big money makeover.
For those who remember with fondness Paul Abbott’s original series there will be immediate question marks as to how director Kevin MacDonald (Touching the Void, The Last King of Scotland) can adapt six hours of political thriller into a 127 minute movie. The answer is, in fact, with some success.
The film remains loyal to the original plot lines but in this instance the action takes place on Washington’s Capitol Hill rather than London’s Westminster. After a petty thief and a congressman’s mistress are both killed in seemingly unrelated events, dogged Washington Globe journalist Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe) and rookie reporter Della Frye (Rachel McAdams) are assigned to investigate the two cases respectively. However, as a close friend of the bereaved congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck), McAffrey becomes party to information that leads him to suspect a cover up. As the plot thickens it becomes clear that the two deaths have more in common than meets the eye and Frye and McAffrey soon join forces to attempt to uncover the truth, whatever the cost.
State of Play Production Process Was Far From Straight Forward
During a Q&A session with director MacDonald after an advance screening of State of Play, he gave an insight into the production process, in particular the meticulous attention to detail employed in creating the busy workings of a Washington newspaper office. He admits to being heavily influenced by 70’s Watergate thriller All the President’s Men.
“We wanted the office to look like the one in that film but as though it hadn’t been cleaned in 35 years”, said the director.
It is an homage that works well as the cluttered surroundings of The Globe’s workplace provide the perfect backdrop to the detailed story unfolding. However, the film’s casting process was fraught with disaster with Brad Pitt lined up to play the McAffrey role only to pull out just four days before shooting was due to commence. “I think deep down we both knew that Brad wasn’t right for the role” he added. The result was the last minute casting of Russell Crowe, who gives a solid performance in the lead role and who fits the rugged yet experienced nature of reporter Cal McAffrey.
It is ironic, however, that it is the rest of the cast where the film falls short. Rachel McAdams and Ben Affleck seem to lack the gravitas to spar alongside Crowe, particularly McAdams who’s kooky Della Frye character is seemingly forgotten towards the latter stages of the film to make way for Crowe to take centre stage. Even the excellent Helen Mirren as the Washington Globe’s editor seems out of place and only functions as a nod to State of Play’s British origins.
Provided you can see past the minor casting blunders, Kevin MacDonald directs a fast paced and stylish thriller, which provides interesting twists, turns and a sense of tension which successfully manages to hold the audience’s attention and provides you with a satisfactory evening’s entertainment.
Cast: Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright-Penn, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels
Director: Kevin MacDonald
Cert: 12A
Overall rating: 3.5/5
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