When you put Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep together in a movie the expectations are huge, fortunately The Post more than meets those high expectations.
I don’t usually post movie
reviews. I consider movie reviews to be very subjective, but I decided
to share my thoughts about The Post
because this was more than just a great plot, based on a true story, this movie
was an inspiring film that shed a light on issues that are as relevant today as
they were during the 1970’s when these events were actually happening.
Meryl Streep expertly plays
the role of Katharine Graham,
the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, The Washington Post. Streep
adds her phenomenal talent to portray Graham as a woman who is overwhelmed at
times, negotiating in a male-dominated world.
The stunning visual impact of Streep walking into a boardroom full of
only men, and losing her voice, so beautifully illustrates the harsh reality of
the exclusion of women at that time.
Hanks plays editor
Ben Bradlee, who pushes Graham to expose a massive cover-up of government
secrets that spans three decades and four U.S Presidents. I am a huge fan of Tom Hanks and his
portrayal of Bradlee was realistic, but did not reach the authentic feel of
some of his early award-winning movie roles. Despite that, Streep’s performance alone is
worth the price of admission.
Sarah Paulsen, who
plays Bradlee’s wife gives a solid performance, and the scene where she
chastises her husband about his bravery compared to the bravery of Graham is
understated and powerful.
Leaving the theatre
I was overwhelmed at how relevant and appropriate this film is to the issues of
today: The delicate balance of a free press operating within a democracy. The issues of secrecy versus national security.
And last but not least the significant
difference in the way men and women are treated.
The Post is an incredible look back at events
that helped shape not only our nation, but our view of government and the
press. I highly recommend The Post.
