The world of journalism isn't as mundane as some may perceive it. In fact, it serves as a thrilling setting for some of the most incredible movies of all time. And, yes, there is such a thing as a journalistic thriller. As an undergraduate journalism major, I have been exposed to some really cool movies involving the world of writers, publications and the like -- all while being lectured about verification, accuracy, research, interviewing, deadlines, yada, yada, yada.
If you're a journalism student, not only can you pick from a collection of news drivers to write a fair article with adequate research like it's your job (because it might be), but you can also definitely appreciate the elements in these movies. Sure, there are definitely more than just three fantastic movies involving reporters and writers, but these are three of my all-time favorite movies that I will remember forever and ever!
1. "Capote" (2005).
I was introduced to the amazing writer, Truman Capote, through this film. Capote also wrote "Breakfast at Tiffany's," in case you were interested. The film is centered around a robbery turned murder inflicted upon a family in Kansas. Truman Capote, who is portrayed as a greedy vulture with a nose for a great story, courts the murderers into friendship to gather information for a book that would be a national phenomenon. The discoveries Capote makes at the end, however, are quite chilling.
This is probably my favorite film because of the way Capote was portrayed by means of a secret that only he and the audience are aware of. Many might find the outcome to be just simply sad, however, sad is just that -- too simple. The extent to which Capote went to gather details for his page-turner was remarkable -- so much so that he was literally sitting in the same cell as the murderers for his research! Yes, it is the instinct of a great reporter to do whatever it takes to get the relevant and necessary information for a story, but Capote's vicious intent made me see the murderers as the innocents in this film. Crazy, right? It just goes to show what can happen when you get a little too close to your sources.
2. "Shattered Glass" (2003).
This film follows the story of Stephen Glass, an outgoing and friendly writer who actually completely fabricates a news story to a shocking extent! This film brought up so many questions as surprising revelations were made. Some big elements of journalism portrayed in the film are the use of sources, fact checking and of course something no journalist should ever do for a story: lie.
You don't have to be a well-seasoned writer for the nation's richest publication to know that journalists have an obligation to the truth, not what their imaginations want to be true. Fact checking should be a thorough process to ensure that writers are slinging around the best available version of the truth and not what they think people want to hear. The interesting notion of this movie is the idea that fabricating a story isn't as easy as writing lies.
Stephen Glass attempted to cover his tracks by pulling out all the stops: showing a fake business card with the contact information of his supposed sources, getting his brother to pose as a source -- should I stop giving away the dramatic details? Again, this is what I call a journalistic thriller because you're engaged throughout the entire movie and intrigued by Stephen's character and motives. Plus, we all really want to see how he gets nailed at the end (oops, spoiler alert!)
3. "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006).
Welcome to the fast-paced world of fashion magazines, specifically Runway magazine. Andy is a journalism major fresh out of college looking for a way to really get her foot in the door (and pay the rent). She finds herself as the second assistant to ruthless editor in chief, Miranda Priestly. Andy, at first, struggled to keep up with the lifestyle and demands of the fashion magazine world, but it would seem that she must've done something right.
It's no secret that the world of publication is fast-paced and extremely dynamic. There will always be something to do and something to improve. Andy, for the most part, found herself just trying to survive. Another aspect of this movie is the theme that you should seek a niche you're comfortable with; just because "a million girls would die for your job" doesn't mean you necessarily would. Wear your own shoes -- not the ones your editor gives you.
The issues presented here are definitely light compared to those in "Shattered Glass" and "Capote," but this is still an interesting tale of a journalism graduate. This movie reassures those who want to go into magazine journalism that there will rarely be a dull moment in store for you! Your New York City headquarters will (probably) literally be your home, the buzz around the office will be your music and the sound of stilettos against the floors will be your metronome.
