By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.2 cats
Director: Tom McCarthy
Starring: Brian d'Arcy James | JohnSlattery | Liev Schreiber | Mark Ruffalo | Michael Keaton | Rachel McAdams
Country: united_states
Year: 2015
Running time: 128
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/reference
Jason says: “SPOTLIGHT is not the sort of movie that is generally described as relentless, but what makes it great is that its makers are, in fact, unceasing and focused on their goal of depicting how a group of Boston Globe reporters brought the way that pedophile priests were shuffled to different parishes to avoid scandal despite the structures which allowed it to stay relatively unnoticed for so long. It’s two hours or so of people working a case that seldom involves actual danger but does require a great deal of thoroughness, questioning assumptions, and accepting ugly truths. There’s not a scene in it that doesn’t either move the story (in both applicable senses) forward or demonstrate what the team is up against.
“It’s an often-quiet efficiency, with director Tom McCarthy and his co-writer Josh Singer not only seldom having his characters raise their voices but avoiding tricky ‘gotcha’ exchanges, and it’s amazing how, despite that, the process being shown is still absorbing. Some credit for that probably goes to editor Tom McArdle as well, because the entire film is a series of very precise choices in how to show that a process is painstaking without making the depiction boring, repeating a point just enough for effect but not belaboring it, and always finding time for every member of an ensemble without making any even temporarily feel like dead weight.
“As to the ensemble, you’re generally doing pretty good when Mark Ruffalo feels like the potential weak link. He isn’t (as there isn’t one); he’s just playing the guy whose passion seems to push him a bit toward eccentricity. He’s one of a number of great character actors, with my personal favorite being Michael Keaton as the head of the Spotlight team; his exacting depiction of how Walter ‘Robby’ Robinson goes from reluctant to committed to dedicated is perfect and enhanced rather than explained by something he says toward the end. There are so many other good folks there, though – John Slattery as the guy who is practical enough to allow the others some idealism, Liev Schreiber as the new editor who quietly gives them the push they need, and even an uncredited Richard Jenkins as an informative voice on the phone.
“My only very minor beef – showing the giant AOL billboard by Globe headquarters got a big laugh, but it’s not like print has pushed the net back at all, let alone enough for something akin to gloating. Heck, isn’t the Globe kind of treading water in part because it has adapted to the internet better than many other papers? But, hey, if that’s all you can complain about, the movie is doing pretty well. 4.8 cats
“Seen 13 December 2015 in Somerville Theatre #3 (first-run, DCP)”
Brett responds: “Good review. In my own notes on the film, I also acknowledge that it is a steady build that really has no let-up or letdown. It’s the kind of efficient storytelling that one rarely sees in major studio films. No gimmicks. Just reliance on the skill of the cast, and the editing is mind-blowingly effective for a movie that does not rely on bells and whistles and explosions and such. Going to get nominations from me if eligible.”
Thom responds: “While I totally agree with the marvelous comments about this focused, excellent film (4.5 cats) I also found the film very depressing, especially considering that none of these despicable priests ever went to jail. The safety that the Catholic Church is a disgrace.”
Beth C. says: “I certainly understand how this movie is appealing to people, since the content and subject matter are so interesting and important. In addition, the footage of Boston was lovely; and the scandal hits home to so many of us since it occurred in our fair city. But, despite a team of highly talented actors, the direction was weak. Very weak. In fact, this film plays more like a TV true crime drama than an indy film. I’m truly disappointed. 2.5 cats
Vicki says: “Based on a true story, SPOTLIGHT follows the Pulitzer Prize winning team if Boston Globe reporters who meticulously investigated the accusations of child molestation against the church. What they uncovered was a monumental cover-up by the Catholic Church. Paced like a thriller, SPOTLIGHT keeps the audience’s attention, but avoids being melodramatic. It is an exceptional piece of ensemble acting in which every character makes a contribution. Add to that solid editing, crisp dialogue, skillful directing and you have not only a best picture nominee, but a film that deals with a very significant and controversial subject.”
Michael says: “When will I learn to trust the opinions whose taste in films I respect? I don’t know what kept me from screening SPOTLIGHT until this late date, even after it won the Best Movie Chlotrudis Award in 2016. It took six years, and listening to my new favorite Podcast from the Brattle Theater to get me to give in and watch the film? And why wouldn’t I? I have enjoyed all of Tom McCarthy’s films (THE STATION AGENT, THE VISITOR, WIN WIN) that I’ve seen, the cast is fine on paper, and it was shot and takes place in Boston. Well, I’m glad I finally gave in and watched the darn film, because I thoroughly enjoyed it, and can unequivocally jump on the SPOTLIGHT bandwagon. What an elegant film. Following the spotlight investigative journalism team at the Boston Globe as they take the long game to investigate and ultimately report on the Catholic Church abuse scandal that started by an investigation into one priest, and evolved into an international crisis that impact the entire institution all the way up to the post. In many ways, it was a film about something from a bygone era. New reporting and journalism was already morphing nearly beyond recognition due to the onslaught of the internet and citizen journalism by the time this movie was made. Any stories about true investigative journalism feel like period pieces now. And while it harkens back to an horrific string of incidents that spanned decades, it’s thrilling to watch, and to think about the unsung glories these men and women deserve for the work they did to bring this story and others like it to light.