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These days, most of our news seems to come from tweets and sound bytes and blog posts that are almost instantly replaced by new tweets and sound bytes and blog posts. But there was a time—not long ago, in fact—when reporters spent weeks traveling the world and interviewing sources, preparing to write a single article for the front page of the paper. In the real-life drama Kill the Messenger, director Michael Cuesta examines that kind of journalism—along with its risks and rewards.
Kill the Messenger stars Jeremy Renner as Gary Webb, a hard-working reporter for the San Jose Mercury News. In 1996, after he beats the major outlets to a story about the government seizing property from acquitted drug dealers, a source leads him to something bigger. According to a long-time government informant, in the ‘80s, the CIA played a major role in smuggling cocaine into California and using the profits to arm the Contras in Nicaragua.
Despite warnings that he’s getting in over his head—as well as thinly-veiled threats from members of the CIA—Webb breaks the story, garnering awards, attention, and acclaim. But he soon finds himself terrorized and vilified for uncovering the truth.
Controversy, conspiracy, and crack cocaine collide in this eye-opening biopic about an unwavering investigative journalist who dug the dirt and paid the price. The story that Webb uncovers is unbelievable yet all too possible—a secret game of political chess with deadly consequences. And it unfolds like a good whodunit: one surprising piece at a time. It may not be an especially gripping or emotional thriller, but it’s definitely an interesting historical drama.
At the same time, though, Webb’s story isn’t just about the government’s secrets and lies; it’s also about the media—about the good and bad sides of journalism and how Webb’s own medium is ultimately used against him. After all, while journalists can uncover and expose abuses, they can also twist and mold the facts while overlooking others to manipulate the masses. And, in the film as in real life, it’s up to the audience to decide which version of the story to believe.
As for its star, though Renner is best known for his tough-guy roles in action movies—everything from Mission: Impossible to The Avengers (not to mention his Oscar-nominated role in the war thriller The Hurt Locker)—he handles the dramatic role well. While his ‘90s goatee and shaggy locks can sometimes be distracting, he’s believable as an average guy who’s just trying to do his job and get the big scoop. He’s driven and determined and more than a little stubborn—but as he comes under attack, his tough exterior begins to crumble, giving way to paranoia and obsession.
Kill the Messenger isn’t a particularly noteworthy or memorable film—especially when you consider the flood of award season dramas making their way to theaters. But it does a respectable job of telling an intriguing true story—one that will leave you with plenty to think (and fret) about.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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