Cate Blanchett delivers another virtuoso performance in Truth as the fiercely bright Mary Mapes, the producer of Dan Rather’s 60 ‘Minutes’, who came under fire after a broadcast questioned whether George W Bush received preferential treatment to avoid the Vietnam draft. Nearing retirement, Dan Rather (an uncannily accurate portrayal by Robert Redford) and Mary have a mutual desire to uncover facts and present the truth. When their research team (a compelling ensemble including Elisabeth Moss, Topher Grace and Dennis Quaid) uncover inconsistencies in Bush’s military records, they go live with the explosive story; but it’s an election year for Bush, and his conservative supporters cry foul. Powerful allies of the President force CBS suspend Mapes and investigate her team’s research, accusing her of political bias. James Vanderbilt, whose previous screenplays include Zodiac and The Amazing Spider-Man, makes a hugely impressive directorial debut. He has constructed a tense political drama with real momentum, but which also explores the more philosophical nature of ‘truth’ as it intersects with ideology and personal experience.
Tricia Tuttle
BFI London Film Festival
