All the President's Men (1976)
Director: Alan J. Pakula
Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford
Not only did this film shape the future of American journalism and politics, it is still remembered as one of the greatest films. Based on the book by reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the movie unites two reluctant reporters who have a knack for working together to uncover the possible connection between the 1972 Watergate burglary and a Whitehouse staffer. Based on the true story that actually stripped Nixon off his presidential status, this film came out less than two years after President Nixon resigned. The film won four Oscars.
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The Insider (1999)
Director: Michael Mann
Cast: Russell Crowe, Al Pacino
Michael Mann's attempt to differentiate between the supremacy of big business and the ability of journalism to present the truth is splendidly depicted in yet another film based on the true story. Based on an episode of a TV show, Michael's “The Insider” narrates the story of Jeffrey Wigand who goes public about the probable health risk of tobacco in an interview with Mike Wallace. The film highlights how journalism can be used as an instrument to unravel truth that can shake the foundation of an economy. The film was nominated for seven Oscars.
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Salvador (1986)
Director: Oliver Stone
Cast: James Woods, James Belushi
Highly influential director Oliver Stone takes us through his perspective of Salvadorian war portrayed through the eyes of a malicious, arrogant and super alcoholic veteran photojournalist Richard Boyle in Salvador. Although Richard has successfully covered every war in the last 20 years, his confidence is put to test in the war field of El Salvador. Director Stone brilliantly brings forth the suffering and pain of a pressman alongside highlighting the dogma that haunts news people: is news more important than lives? The film was nominated for two Oscars.
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Absence of Malice (1981)
Director: Sydney Pollack
Cast: Paul Newman, Sally Field
Based again on true events that happened in the life of actor Paul Newman, “Absence of Malice” is the story of how life of the son of a dead gangster is ruined by the stories of a reporter. Made by director Sydney Pollack, this entertaining and credible drama takes a dig at free press and decries its ethics. Admittedly, Newman made this film to make the publication that ran a photo caption about him realise their mistake, however he had sparked off a war the time the film was released. The film was nominated for three Oscars.
Some more…Other highly regarded journalism movies include:
Good Night and Good Luck
Shattered Glass
Ace in the Hole
The Passenger
The China Syndrome
The Killing Fields
Broadcast News
Network
The Paper
State of Play
Haricharan is a working professional.
