I still think I should make up the evaluation of this film. The reason why I didn’t write it after watching it at the Toronto Film Festival in September was because I watched this and #婚故事# on the same day. It is conceivable that the latter left a deeper impression and a stronger resonance. Because of time, I didn't have time to elaborate on this one. The issue of the screening strategy. Both "Torture Report" and "Marriage Story" are released in the same month. It is indeed very dangerous. Both companies may hope to gain more attention from the popularity and publicity that Star Wars brings to Adam Driver. Much free marketing, but unfortunately, "Torture Report" was covered up under the light of "Marriage Story" because Adam Driver was indeed more eye-catching in the latter. But "Torture Report" should not be ignored for this reason. It is also a very important and worth watching movie.
"Torture Report" is actually compatible with the other two films this year, "Dark Water" starring Uncle Mark and "Richard Jewell" directed by Lee Clint Eastwood. It is called the "Trilogy of Fighting for Truth".
The three movies are all small characters challenging and fighting against powerful organizations, but it took several years to get the truth to the bottom. Almost all of the protagonists’ lives were destroyed and even faced prison. Fortunately, behind them are the support, trust and encouragement of other stronger people, so that this battle will not be lonely. In the end, the three films actually proved one thing: the pursuit of the truth requires a lot of stamina and perseverance. During the period, the challenge may be huge, but the truth may be late but will not be absent, and during this period, there must be no lack of the same pursuit of truth and justice. Alliance support.
Regarding the "Torture Report", compared with the other two, it seems to have less connection with ordinary people. Unlike the lawsuit in "Black Water" which is about people's livelihood, nor is it as touching as the story of the minor characters being wronged in "The Lamentation of Richard Jouville", the "Torture Report" investigates the mistakes committed by the CIA, which is right. The use of torture by some terrorist-related suspects outside the United States is indeed very inhumane. It is related to the reputation of the country, but it is more difficult to obtain the interest of the general public from the incident itself.
In particular, the film mentions too many names of people in the Middle East, the amount of information is large, the speaking speed is very fast, and the serious news investigation and presentation mode is adopted, which may be a little indigestion for the general public. Relatively speaking, "Dark Zero Thirty", which mentions similar content, contains at least actions to encircle bin Laden, which is more eye-catching.
At the same time, the "Torture Report" contains a lot of interrogation and formal government procedures. If people who like to read news but are not disgusted with it may still be able to read it, others may find it cumbersome and boring, and it really can only I hope that Adam Driver's appearance is enough to make the audience hold it through. Some scenes of abuse of prisoners are indeed difficult to witness, but the political and interest disputes mentioned in the film are still eye-opening. The film also reflects a lot of people's eagerness for revenge after 9/11, and a series of measures taken to cover up wrongdoings. More importantly, this film mainly reflects how difficult it is to do a thing through government agencies, how many procedures are needed, and how many obstacles will be faced.
One feature of this film is that it insists on not describing the private life of the male protagonist Daniel J. Jones. The investigator played by the driver is like no life from beginning to end, only appearing at work, and no family members appear. "Black Water" and "Richard Jewell's Lament" both present the impact of the entire incident on the protagonist and family from the perspective of the family. This is indeed easier to narrow the emotional distance, but sometimes it also slows the film. The "Torture Report" is a pure news investigation, more similar to "Spotlight". All the plots and characters are related to the event itself, and no time is wasted on personal emotions. This is what I like about this film. Just like the clothes and hairstyle of the driver in this film, it gives people a very clean, neat and consistent feeling.
Most of the time in the film, the driver relies on his line skills to show his acting skills. There are many long and cumbersome lines that are spoken at a fairly fast speed, and his expression is still consistent and calm. Even if compared with the emotional ups and downs in "Marriage Story", the film did not fully display his abilities, but it still created a sincere and credible just youth.
Compared with the male protagonist who has been fighting on the front line, the Senate played by Annette Bening has a more important role. Without her assistance and repeated advancement, this investigation cannot be carried out, let alone be published. The audience saw the challenges she faced time and time again, but did not flinch. It can be said that the male protagonist Dan and Senator Dianne Feinstein in the film are equal and indispensable. This is why Benin still hopes to use this role to sprint for the best supporting actress, at least let this film not be completely ignored.
News reporters also played an important role in this, just as any political scandal in the United States is inevitably behind the news and the pressure brought by the media.
After watching this film, I believe it will give the audience an in-depth understanding of American politics, and more importantly, understand that any thing is not only as simple as a news headline, but requires many years of unremitting efforts.
"Torture Report", "Black Water", "Richard Jouville's Lament" all demonstrate the importance and challenge of pursuing the truth. The truth is often impossible to measure with money and immediate benefits, but someone will stand up for it. Fight to the end and prove that everything is worthwhile.
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