Truth is based on the real newsroom drama detailing the 2004 CBS 60 Minutes report investigating then-President George W. Bush’s military service. The subsequent firestorm of criticism cost anchor Dan Rather and producer Mary Mapes their careers. The film is based on Mary Mapes memoir, “Truth and Duty: The Press, the President, and the Privilege of Power.” She was one of the screenwriters.
Cate Blanchett plays Mapes, with Robert Redford playing Dan Rather. Other actors appearing in the film include Bruce Greenwood, Elisabeth Moss, Topher Grace, John Benjamin Hickey, Stacy Keach, and Dennis Quaid.
Dan Rather had worked at CBS since 1962 when this story broke. At TIFF, Rather appeared after the film screened and gave his full endorsement of Truth.
Release date for the film is October 16, 2015. The first-time director is James Vanderbilt.
I remember this event clearly and I’m sure many others do too. It’s fairly recent history to already be the subject of a movie. Of course, from our side of the camera, the story we heard was only the news as first presented and the ensuring controversy. The behind-the-scenes story this film tells was not part of what I knew about. It should be a fascinating movie.
I noticed the enthusiastic reception the film got at TIFF, including this endorsement from Christine Horne. She was there for her own film Hyena Road, but found time to watch Truth.
Cate Blanchett Cate Blanchett Cate Blanchett. TRUTH. #TIFF15
— Christine Horne (@christinejhorne) September 13, 2015
To be fair, maybe we should add a couple of cheers for Robert Redford in there, too. I’ll let you know about that after I see the film.