State of Play (2009)

Directed by: Kevin Macdonald | 127 minutes | drama, thriller, crime | Actors: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman, Robin Wright, Helen Mirren, Jeff Daniels, Katy Mixon, Viola Davis, Harry Lennix, Maria Thayer, Rob Benedict, Wendy Makkena, Bonita Friedericy

‘State of Play’ is a thrilling spy thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Okay, before the action really gets going you have to get through some opening scenes, but once the ball starts rolling, the tension increases greatly.

Based on the popular 2003 miniseries, this thriller is set in Washington DC and revolves around Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) whose assistant committed suicide. At least it seems so. Journalist – for The Washington Globe -and college friend Cal McCaffrey (Russell Crowe) finds out there’s more to it and risks everything to get the bottom line together with his new lovable colleague Della Frye (Rachel McAdams) and also to meet the deadline. The original cast included Brad Pitt as journalist McCaffrey and Edward Norton as Congressman Collins. This combination already worked well in ‘Fight Club’ and would undoubtedly have been fantastic again if the two hadn’t canceled. Now it’s Affleck and Crowe who have to wear ‘State of Play’. Both carry some negative connotations, especially Affleck, who has had almost nothing but flops to his name in recent years. Here too he chooses the safe side and plays a character that he can hardly ruin. He doesn’t, and even though he’s not the strongest actor, he can get away with it.

Crowe has gone from sex symbol and womanizer in ‘Gladiator’ to a teddy bear. The mischievous look in his eyes pops up every now and then, but otherwise he looks mostly tired. That fits perfectly with his role, a journalist who disregards authority, is constantly working with deadlines and sometimes has a hard time convincing his boss (Helen Mirren) that his story is worth waiting for. You keep wondering whether or not he is sympathetic, but whether he is a good journalist is beyond doubt. The role of Helen Mirren was played in the series by Bill Nighy – a true comedic talent. Helen Mirren is refreshing in this role and in the few scenes she has she shines from the canvas. She shows that she has humor and is a bit reminiscent of Meryl Streep in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’.

‘State of Play’ remains surprising until the end. No one will bring home an Oscar, but director Kevin McDonald can be proud of himself: a fine piece of work, this more than two-hour film will keep you fascinated until all ends are tied together.