A True Story Depicting the Full Story of a Scandalous Report

Mary Mapes, a veteran producer with 20 years of experience at CBS, a network boasting the largest reach in the United States. Together with Dan Rather, a legendary anchor in the TV industry with whom she co-hosts the flagship program "60 Minutes II," she has broken numerous scoops.



Tonight, they broadcast the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal in Iraq ahead of other networks. They celebrated with their colleagues. Their next target was a scandal involving the current president. In 2004, as the Republican George W. Bush, the incumbent U.S. president, faced the Democratic challenger John Kerry in the presidential election, they obtained documentary evidence suggesting the president had falsified his military record.

To verify the information, the two began an investigation with their trusted reporting staff. After twists and turns, they finally managed to broadcast the story. The newsroom buzzed with excitement over the major scoop that could shake the current administration and significantly influence the election's outcome. However, immediately after the broadcast, conservative voices online began to claim the documents were fake. The network's upper management ordered Mary and her team to re-investigate, but the public was already in an uproar over "CBS's false report." Mary's team found themselves in a desperate situation.

This film, which portrays the behind-the-scenes of news reporting, delves into the truth of a scoop that was buried, while also illustrating the challenges of news coverage and the ideal form of journalism. However, what leaves a strong impression is the professionalism of Mary, Dan, and their colleagues. Their goal was not merely to obtain a scoop, but they never forgot their pride as journalists, the watchdogs of power. Their pride stemmed not from honor or achievement, but from fulfilling their mission to "convey the truth," with the scoop being the result.

Many lines in the film highlight this. Mary's words are one such example: "I ask questions to know the truth. Questions lead us to the truth." She also confides that as a child, she was beaten by her alcoholic father when she asked questions. Dan, too, says, "If we stop asking questions, this country is finished."





Indeed, the question "why" is taboo in dictatorships and reign of terror. And even in the society we live in, it is difficult to ask questions that touch upon inconvenient truths. However, there is a need for those who, on behalf of the citizens, continue to confront those in power with the weapon of "why," with words. During a recent political money scandal in Japan, one cannot help but think that if there had been professionals like Mary and Dan, who do not compromise with off-target questions or half-hearted pursuits, the issues might have been clarified more thoroughly.

In reality, in the presidential scandal of 2004 depicted in this film, Mary and her team, by continuing to ask core questions and getting closer to the truth, incurred the wrath of those in power. Then, with a slight misstep, the path to uncovering the truth was cut short. Unfortunately, those involved in the reporting paid a heavy price. However, we must not forget that our right to know is protected precisely because there are those who, aware of the risks, stand up and say it must be done. True journalism is justice upheld by those who are not afraid to take risks to convey the truth.

While it is a film that makes one feel the harshness of society, 'Truth' leaves a strangely refreshing aftertaste, perhaps because
through their existence, it makes us feel that the world is not entirely beyond hope. And perhaps it's because it stimulates a pleasant sense of motivation for tomorrow, urging us to "do our best in our own sphere, even if we can't reach their level."



★★★★☆
A compelling adult film that masterfully blends suspenseful tension with human drama. The performances by the renowned actors are also noteworthy.

Truth
Screenplay & Directed by James Vanderbilt
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Robert Redford, and others
Opening Friday, August 5th, at TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku and other theaters nationwide.
© 2015 FEA Productions, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.


Jun Makiguchi
After working for Kyodo News, a film festival secretariat, and a magazine editorial department, she became an independent writer. She currently writes film columns and interviews for women's and men's magazines, focusing on lifestyle topics such as fashion, food, and music depicted on screen.

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