The Post

The Post

Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk

Directed by Steven Spielberg

The Story:
In 1971, former military analyst Daniel Ellsberg (Matthew Rhys) confiscates classified reports on the Vietnam War - proving that the U.S. government has been involved with it for four Presidents as well as lying to the general public about their purpose and direction - and gives them to The New York Times.  They publish an article on it, to the dismay of The Post senior editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks), who wishes he had the scoop himself.

Soon after, President Nixon goes after the Times and files a court action to prevent them from leaking any more information on the Pentagon Papers, and the Post finds themselves in possession of the papers.  Bradlee wants to publish them, and goes to the new owner of the Post, Kay Graham (Meryl Streep) to get her permission.  She faces her own struggles as the first female head of the newspaper, facing ridicule from her all-male counterparts and fears that publishing the papers would land them all in jail and end the paper, but also struggles with publishing the truth and exposing the truth the government tried to hide about the Vietnam War.

The Synopsis:
Meryl Streep. Tom Hanks.  Steven Spielberg.  John Williams.  When you have these four heavyweights of cinema together, you're bound for a film of epic proportions.  "The Post" not only has these four contenders, but also tells an oddly timely story about a historical event that threatened the freedom of the press, as well as implications for today's society in intriguing ways.

The Pentagon Papers was a series of papers that told the hidden truths behind the Vietnam War - a war that, as several Presidents even believed - could never be won, despite their public claims to the contrary.  A whistle-blower finds the papers and has them published, but an injunction by President Nixon threatens the public's right to know the truth, because it would cast a very negative light on the government.  This very act threatened the freedom of the press, and could've changed the course of history.  If the news can't publish the truth, what use would they have?

That's the question that weighs heavy on the mind of Kay Graham, who just acquired the Post after her husband dies.  Although the paper has been in her family for decades, it's just now gaining public attention on the Stock Market, and any catastrophic change could bring the newspaper crashing down around her.  Also, she faces scrutiny by her fellow board members who don't see how a woman can possibly head, but Kay does so with a blend of stern force and delicate will, done so in a way only Miss Meryl - who, unlike what a certain President says, is far from overrated - can achieve.  This is one of her best performances recently, and not since her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady" has she come off with such confidence and resolve.  While she seems intimidated at first by the men in the room, she learns her true place and finds an inner strength to ultimately do what is right, despite the consequences.

Then there's Ben Bradlee, the editor in chief of the Post, who is getting tired of just reporting the news and wants to make some of his own.  He's headstrong and tactful, while not always the most legal.  It's the most intriguing aspect of the film to see Bradlee and Graham butt heads, even though they're on the same side.  They both want the same outcome, but see vastly different ways of getting there, until they ultimately come together.  To that end, Tom Hanks is also the best qualified for the job, as he epitomizes the likability of a man who seemingly doesn't have that quality, but you can't help but love Tom Hanks in anything he stars in.  Seeing him sparring mentally with Streep is a film lover's dream, and their scenes together are peppered with nuance and grace, as well as resolve and head-butting.

Behind the camera there's Steven Spielberg, easily one of this generation's best directors, who set out to tell a historical story as well as a story that could be applied today, especially in light of recent turmoil between the government and the press.  In a time where the President tweets about failing newspapers and "fake news," the press is all the more important to provide the facts of a government that seemingly wants to hide.  To this end, Spielberg introduces us to Kay and Ben, who realize that without telling the truth, there's no need for a paper.  Then - as well as now - there needs to be reporters and journalists who aren't afraid to speak the truth and not let the freedom of the press be destroyed.

Throw in an excellent score by the incomparable John Williams, and you've got the perfect blend of cinematic genius: a terrific ensemble cast led by two of the world's most talented actors, a seasoned director who manages to tell a historical event that seems all-too-familiar, and an excellent score.

The Summary:
With two powerhouses like Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in front of the camera - and an equally strong powerhouse director in Steven Spielberg behind the camera - you get a film that's equal parts historical drama and cautionary tale for the present, told in a spellbinding way.

The Score: A+