State of Play is the hollywood remake of the 2003 BBC mini-series of the same name. Touching The Void and Last King of Scotland director, Kevin McDonald relocates the action to Washington with Russell Crowe in the lead as a newspaper reporter, helping his buddie Senator, Ben Affleck, get over a sex scandel. But, this being a thriller set in the world of newspaper reporting, there's murder and corporate conspiricy to throw into the mix.
This is smart adult film-making like what they used to make, with tension building as the story expands. Can they make the deadline or will the newspaper's corporate owners shut them down? Will the corporate conspiritors assasinate them before the piece is written? Will police interference curb Crowe's efforts?
Crowe is great in an unflashy role. Rachel McAdams shows why she's one of the best young actresses in movies today. Helen Mirren does the Perry White role as only she (or Dame Judi) could. And Affleck delivers an understated career best performance. I'm not sure why Brad Pitt walked away from the Crowe role seeing as how his replacement completely nailed it, but I can comprehend why Edward Norton dumped the Affleck role as the senator isn't on screen too much. However it does give Affleck the opportunity to explore a complex character, and one in a position of authrity, something he's rarely performed.
There's also some strong character narratives woven into the mix along with the thrills. Great stuff.
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