State Of Play is a complex political thriller about murder and high corruption in the American corridors of power.
Directed by Kevin Macdonald, he of Last King Of Scotland fame (fame's probably overstating it...), it's a film that follows Russell Crowe, an investigative journalist, as he peels back the layers on the murder of a Congressman's young female aide. The Congressman, played by Ben Affleck, is an old friend and his attempts to bring an enormous private security firm to book turns the spotlight on the company's role in the woman's death. However, there's a little more to it than meets the eye and the investigation is muddied by the personal relationships at play.
It's a reasonably good thriller and Russell Crowe, who after American Gangster and The Insider, seems to be making a living out of playing the scruffy deadbeat that you underestimate at your peril, turns in another solid performance. However, Ben Affleck looks a little young to be playing... a good actor... There's something slightly off with the Affleck role. I think it's him.
It's also quite a long film and I understand it was based on a six-part television series. Unfortunately, it labours and I found myself checking my watch on numerous occasions and being constantly surprised at how little time had actually passed. It's a long film that feels twice as long again.
In fact, State Of Play is one of those films that you'd watch if you were given 24 hours to live. Just because it would feel like you were getting good value for your time... -ha, in your face Death, that felt like a fucking eternity.
State Of Play: 5/10.
