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State of Play is a 2009 American political thriller. It is a film adaptation of the critically acclaimed six-part British television serial State of Play, which first aired on BBC One in 2003. The film was directed by Kevin Macdonald from a screenplay written by Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tony Gilroy, Peter Morgan, and Billy Ray.

The film tells of a journalist's probe into the suspicious death of a Congressman's mistress. Russell Crowe plays the journalist and Ben Affleck plays the Congressman. The supporting cast includes Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Jason Bateman, Robin Wright Penn, and Jeff Daniels. The plot of the six-hour serial has been condensed to fit two hours, and the location changed to Washington, D.C. Macdonald said State of Play is informed by the films of the 1970s, and explores the topical subjects of journalistic independence and the relationship between politicians and the press. It was released in North America on April 17, 2009.

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Details

Genre: Drama
Release Date: April 17, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1hr 58min

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16 Ratings: +3.5

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More State of Play reviews

review by woopak_the_thrill. September 03, 2009

posted in Movie Hype

3 ½ Stars: The Responsibilty of Credible Reporting Collides With A Murder Mystery...

Based on the BBC mini-series, director Kevin McDonald’s “STATE OF PLAY” blends the two most reliable, favorite ingredients of an effective thriller; a political-conspiracy thriller mixed in with a journalism drama with a touch of a murder mystery mixed in. The film’s direction can be taut, clean and energetic that plays on the moralities of politics and the responsibility of credible reporting. Kevin McDonald maneuvers the film’s script in a meaty web of … more

Comments (5) Compliments (24)

review by rjo421. May 04, 2009

Remember when journalists kicked butt?

As a former newspaper reporter, I knew my entertainment choices this weekend were between two journalist-centric movies -- "The Soloist" and "State of Play." I went with the latter, which seemed more action-packed, and was not disappointed. The movie's themes are very timely, dealing with media, politics and corruption in D.C. Russell Crowe plays Cal McAffrey, a seasoned, well-connected reporter at a paper that is struggling to modernize (i.e. make a profit and please … more

Comments (1) Compliments (24)

review by amberlina. May 05, 2009

Fun but still smart enough that you don't feel bad for seeing it

I very much enjoyed this movie. Something about the inherent drama of the newsroom really set the stage. The current day tie ins (insider politics, corporate conspiracies not to mention the death of print media) were bordering on heavy handed but still worked. The acting was fine, the plot was great.

Comments (1) Compliments (6)

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