Protecting Integrity and Innocence.
“Nothing But the Truth” is a crafty production that asks the viewer to contemplate gray areas and nuances of loyalty, integrity and trust within the confines of the media, the courts, and our government. It is an endlessly intriguing drama that poses more questions than it answers. Those answers are for us to decide.
Unfortunately, director, Rod Lurie’s film is stuck in distribution limbo right now — you will likely have to seek the movie out on DVD. With such an all-star cast, it shouldn’t be too hard to find.
Kate Beckinsale leads the way, delivering her second fantastic performance of 2008, after her devastating turn in “Snow Angels”. The only thing that rivals her unparalleled beauty is her ever-improving talent as an actress. She is one of the very best in movies today.
In this film, Beckinsale plays a reporter who, using a confidential source, exposes a CIA operative in a national newspaper while reporting on deceptive practices by the highest levels of government. Unfortunately, that confidentiality is called upon when the FBI demands, under the veil of national security, that she reveal her source. This results in a vicious stand-off between Beckinsale and Matt Dillon, who plays the special FBI prosecutor in the case. The reporter is forced to endure a jail sentence while she refuses to break her silence.
1st amendment rights are questioned. Familial bonds are challenged. Government power is abused. Integrity is shaken. “Nothing But the Truth” is a maze of morality that makes for fascinating viewing.
Clearly, this story is heavily influenced by the real life Valerie Plame case and the Judith Miller incident. Both stories are ripe for the picking in the cinematic medium — packed with inherent complexity, drama and tension.
The only negative here is the brevity with which the film brushes past some of the details of the story. The middle act of the movie seems to jump us from day 50 to day 150 to day 350 with 1-minute scenes intending to catch us up on the transpiring events. I would have appreciated some more patience and detail.
Nevertheless, despite that, and an awkwardly handled final scene, “Nothing But the Truth” is Rod Lurie’s best effort to date. He is a hit-and-miss director who hits almost all the right notes this time around. A riveting story and a terrific performance from Beckinsale make this a film well worth your time and money.
