Shattered Glass (DVD)

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Shattered Glass won some pretty good reviews from the critics as did Hayden Christensen for his portrayal of Stephen Glass the man who inspired this movie. This was my first opportunity to see the man who would be Vader since Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, so how was it?

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What's it all about?
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...true story”, Shattered Glass is based on a journalistic scandal involving reporter turned novelist Stephen Glass. It is a tale of truths and lies, Stephen Glass is a reporter for The New Republic magazine, big deal? Well it also happens to be the magazine of choice on Air Force One and is read by the President of the United States. Glass is very much the "Golden Boy" of the magazine and has an uncanny knack of always getting the best ... more

NOTE: There are some spoilers here due to the nature of the film.
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Shattered Glass won some pretty good reviews from the critics as did Hayden Christensen for his portrayal of Stephen Glass the man who inspired this movie. This was my first opportunity to see the man who would be Vader since Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, so how was it?

========================================
What's it all about?
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Those fearful words raise their head again “based on a true story”, Shattered Glass is based on a journalistic scandal involving reporter turned novelist Stephen Glass. It is a tale of truths and lies, Stephen Glass is a reporter for The New Republic magazine, big deal? Well it also happens to be the magazine of choice on Air Force One and is read by the President of the United States. Glass is very much the "Golden Boy" of the magazine and has an uncanny knack of always getting the best scoops despite his tender years and rookie status. Glass’s pieces are never mediocre, always astounding and unbelievable tales of intrigue. His most memorable story, arguably, was about a group of Young Republicans, Glass painted a picture of the young hopefuls on what can only be described as a “bender” consuming various substances mostly alcohol and not acting very “conservative” at all.

Despite being the Golden Boy Glass still manages to be well liked by his co-workers who almost without exception will do anything to help young Stephen whenever he is in a bind. He successfully fits in as one of the boys and also one of the girls when he needs to be. A shoulder to cry on and friend whenever needed, he is a good listener. He pays attention to people that is his strength, he methodically listens and takes note of what people say to impress them at a later date, like remembering someone’s favourite drink, birthday or hair do. His best friend and loyal support are in the form of Caitlin played by indie actress Chloe Sevigny from Boys Don’t Cry.

Stephen's never-ending string of successes is quite remarkable, but it is noticeable from fairly early in proceedings that something is not altogether right with him. One or two of his colleagues are certainly suspicious of his work and more specifically his sources. Glass however has one thing on his side and as journalist its a huge advantage, the editor Michael Kelly ( Hank Azaria ) likes and trusts him. However Kelly is fired and replaced but one of the few people that isn't a cheerleader for Stephen, Chuck Lane played superbly be the great but underrated Peter Sarsgaard.

It’s not long before Chuck is at loggerheads with Glass about his work after another reporter questions the legitimacy a piece that Glass wrote on a computer hacker and his recruitment to a large company. It is obvious that the office support Stephen and not the guy who took the place of their previous editor and friend. Chuck does not relent on Glass and asks him for his evidence. Stephen becomes increasingly paranoid and convinces the rest of the workers that Chuck has it in for him.

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The Direction / Script: Billy Ray
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Director / Screenplay

It would be easy to burn Glass completely considering the evidence, but Ray has managed to handle the situation with compassion. Glass obviously did wrong, but when you see and hear the real Stephen Glass even the untrained eye can see that there is a young man with issues and Billy Ray’s script and direction are perfectly weighted. I wasn’t a fan of Harts War, also by Billy Ray but this effort is much more impressive in every way.

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The Performances
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Hayden Christensen: I have already said in my review of Return of the Sith that i feel that Christensen has received some pretty harsh treatment from critics and the press alike. Here he gives and wonderfully believable and emotional performance and play the Glass character faultlessly. As stated Glass is painfully a troubled man with some real health issues and this is exactly how HC plays the part. The character evolves throughout the story as the heat is turned up on him and HC handles this well and paints a convincing picture.
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Peter Sarsgaard: A very underrated performer in my opinion, here he plays the straight shooting reporter/editor very well indeed he shows both anger and compassion where the role requires it. I suspect that this performance was instrumental in getting him the role in Garden State
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Chloe Sevigny: Plays one of Stephens girls Caitlin Avey very well indeed. Not spectacular but then its not a spectacular type of role. She is one of Stephens closest friends and allies in the office and goes to any lengths to help him including doing his work without knowing it. Sevigny is seemingly content with

There are also some noteworthy smaller parts for Steve Zahn and Rosario Dawson from the other publication that first notice Glass’s indiscretions.

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My two cents
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Very enjoyable, all of the performances are good, particularly Christensen who proves that he can play conventional roles well and this performance should hopefully remind the critics of recent turn in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith that he is a competent actor that does what is required in the role. A remarkable story of a young man who seeking approval from his piers and seeking success committed on of the cardinal sins of good journalism – tell the truth.
 

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