American cinema on Press Freedom
View(s):Screening movies under the theme of press freedom, the American Center will release ‘Shattered Glass’ directed by Billy Ray on May 21 at American Center auditorium Colombo 3. Based on a September 1998 Vanity Fair article by H. G. Bissinger, the film depicts Michael Kelly (Hank Azaria), the first editor of “The New Republic” with whom Stephen Glass worked.
When Kelly finds something questionable in one of the stories submitted by Glass, Stephen is able to explain it away, and the incident is glossed over. When Kelly is fired by the publisher, Chuck Lane (Peter Sarsgaard) takes over under difficult circumstances, as the staff is loyal to Kelly and resentful of Lane. Still, Lane perseveres, occasionally crossing swords with Stephen Glass. All comes to a head when a reporter from another publication questions the veracity of one of Stephen’s stories.
The film ‘Page One: Inside New York Times’ deftly gains unprecedented access to The New York Times newsroom and the inner workings of the Media Desk. Directed by Kate Novack and Andrew Rossi the film stars Sarah Ellison, Larry Ingrassia and David Carr.
With the Internet surpassing print as the main news source and newspapers all over the country going bankrupt, PAGE ONE chronicles the transformation of the media industry at its time of greatest turmoil. It gives us an up-close look at the vibrant cross-cubicle debates and collaborations, tenacious jockeying for on-the-record quotes, and skillful page-one pitching that produce the daily miracle of a great news organization.
What emerges is a nuanced portrait of journalists continuing to produce extraordinary work under increasingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of the film is the burning question on the minds of everyone who cares about a rigorous American press, Times lover or not: what will happen if the fast-moving future of media leaves behind the fact-based, original reporting that helps to define our society?
The film is screened at 6 pm on May 28.
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