See that page from the NYT? It's from 1861. Yeah, the famous newspaper has been around a long time. Will it last or go belly up like so many other papers?This is the premise of a fantastic film.
My dear spouse and I wondered if an hour and a half on the inner workings of the Times would hold our interest...or, I should say, my interest. Unlike my spouse, who revels in all things psychological, social, or political, I tend toward more sentimental pieces: romance, action, sci-fi, and other fairly low-road themes. Was I wrong to doubt this extraordinary work of art: it grabbed my interest and kept me mesmerized!
The brilliance of the film is that it does so much while asking a very simple question: Will/Should the New York Times paper edition continue, as it has for more than a century?
The flick offers a wonderful history lesson on journalism: we are reminded of Watergate and other events where freedom of the press saved OUR freedoms. Page One covers all aspects of the First Amendment, including a thought-provoking look at Freedom of Information vs. Rights to Privacy/Threats to National Security.
Remember Judith Miller? Remember other journalists who have gotten the news wrong? Are you familiar with the foul-mouthed, ex-street bum David Carr, one of the top editors at The Times? Meet all the big shots in this inside look at a famous American institution.
Most importantly, consider if the web-fed news is better than the old-style news.
The local papers gave the film three stars. This reviewer would give it five.
One of the finest documentaries ever!
This looks so interesting; never heard of it. I'll add to our list. (I swear Netflix has been "playing" with our list.)
ReplyDeleteWell, it took me 6 months, but we finally watched this and thoroughly enjoyed it...well, appreciated. Because who can enjoy watching the possible demise of an American institution, The New York Times.
ReplyDeleteI fear, I truly fear, the distilling of journalism into the dishwater of blog, tweets, and unprofessional "reporting."
David Carr has always fascinated me. I'd invite him to my next dinner party, but he also scares the hell out of me.
Excellent film.
Glad you got a chance to see it. The film really take us inside the world of journalism. I too fear a word of soundbites and tweets. I am very worried that the world of newspapers may be something of the past. I have to admit that I get my news online, even though we still subscribe to papers.
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