Am I talking to my friend now or am I talking to a reporter?

State of Play

(2009)

This might be better than the BBC original. For: Crowe is far more convincing than man-child John Simm. Against: Affleck tries his best but he's not in the same league as David Morrissey.

The script has more thematic resonance, jumping into the whole discussion of journalistic integrity and what-place-for-the-newspaper-today with enthusiasm, and the interlinked investigation into privatised military operations has admirable topicality.

It's an adaption where little is lost from being familiar with the original, the climatic revelation aside, whilst there are some virtuoso cinematic moments to be gained (a masterfully tense scene in an underground car park tops the list). Alex Heffes' driving score deserves a mention, and there are sterling supporting performances from Jeff Daniels and the always-scene-stealing Jason Bateman.

****

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Now In Full Color, with a Happier Ending

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