FILM-FORWARD.COMReviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video
SHATTERED GLASS
In the late ‘90s, The New Republic, an important Washington insider magazine,
has as its youngest associate editor at 24 Stephen Glass. Smart, entertaining, and very
attentive to his coworkers, Glass is an ambitious journalist on the rise. Admirer of
Pulitzer Prize winners Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, Glass touts the philosophy that writing
is "the art of capturing behavior," thereby letting his subjects tell the story. But there is a
problem: a competing journalist can’t find verify any of the facts in a feature story written
by Glass. Increasingly seduced by illusions of grandeur, Glass insists that all of his facts
are sound. One question leads to another, bringing the reputation of
TNR in question. Shattered Glass deftly captures the workings of the
weekly magazine and the back-stabbing office politics with an well-executed and
polished performance from Hayden Christensen (as Glass) and Chloë Sevigny as a
loyal fellow editor. Most impressive though is Peter Sarsgaard's understated portrayal of a
Charles Lane, who's the young yet earnest head editor who uncovers the truth. Credit also
goes to Billy Ray in creating a compelling film without sensationalizing the story's facts
and clearly bringing this true story to the screen without losing sight of the dramatic
tension. While gripping entertainment, especially when Lane interrogates Glass, it's a
serious and thoughtful film about today's media where journalists strive to become stars
with their name in print on spectacular stories that supersede honest reportage. It will
likely be of interest to those who enjoyed the exposé dramas à la The
Insider and All the President's Men. David Nudo, formerly in advertising at
The New Republic, now at The New York Times
DVD Extras: The 60 Minutes interview is the most compelling extra, as it
provides viewers with the real Stephen Glass. The interview takes place
after the story in the movie ends, so it
allows viewers for a chance to place the story in a wider context. We learn
that
Glass was treated for pathologically lying and is now living in New York
City. In the commentary, it is
interesting to hear Chuck Lane talk about himself as a character on screen
mixed with the artistic notations of Billy Ray on lighting and specific
camera shots. After watching the extras and comparing the
information given to the film, it
is evident that the movie is very much based on fact (according to Chuck
Lane, even to the detail that his baby did indeed have a fever). Lisette Johnson
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