In 2015, the film “Spotlight” won the Academy Award for best picture. It was a shocking and surprising win to many. Spotlight beat out such heavy favourites as “The Revenant,” “The Big Short” and “Bridge of Spies.” “Spotlight” was a critical success and gathered much buzz post Academy Awards. Many home viewers, however, were unaware of this film initially. It wasn’t until the film won best picture that it became the talk of the world.
“Spotlight” is based on a true story. It takes place in and around the Boston area in 2001. The film revolves around a Spotlight team of journalists who work for the Boston Globe. The Spotlight team is responsible for writing investigative journalism. Often these teams use extensive research and gather facts for months before writing the story.
“Spotlight” begins when the Boston Globe hires a new editor who wants to investigate a scandal involving the Catholic Church. The team gets word that the archbishop of Boston knew that a priest was sexually abusing children. Initially the team members find that there is a pattern to the abuse and realize that there are many priests involved. The story soon spirals out of control and the team members quickly realize that this scandal is much bigger than they thought.
The subject matter of this film is very heavy and quite upsetting. Many viewers may have a tough time coming to grips with it. Spotlight provides a glimpse into investigative journalism and exposes a conspiracy within the Catholic Church. What was once thought a safe place to practice faith and seek guidance turns into an unimaginable hell.
Upon release, the film gathered much controversy itself. The film was attacked by Jeff Dunn. The film portrays him as indifferent to the scandal at hand. Much of this was quickly mediated by Open Road Pictures, the studio behind the film. In 2016, it released a statement to the media stating that fictional dialogue is added and used for dramatic effect. Most surprisingly was the Catholic Church’s response to the film. The Vatican radio even called the film “honest and compelling.”
“Spotlight” boasts a powerhouse cast. The film stars Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Liev Schreiber. The acting is superb and there is not a weak performance in the film. One of the most impressive scenes is a confrontation involving Michael Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo) and Walter Robinson (Michael Keaton). The scene involves Michael Rezendes arguing with Walter Robinson to get the story out quickly while Walter Robinson doesn’t want to rush it.
I asked my co-worker, who is a practicing Catholic, to watch the film to get his thoughts and opinions on the film. He had never seen it before but heard good things about it. When asked what he thought about the film, he simply replied, “I think it was one of the best movies I have ever seen.” When asked what he thought about the film’s content and how that played into his spirituality: “The subject matter is really heavy,” Terry Price replied. “The film does not change my spirituality at all, but makes me aware that even in religious practice there are scandals and evil people.”
It’s important to recognize the real faces behind the story. After viewing this film, readers should look up the real-life journalists involved in the Spotlight group. It’s important to recognize all their work and dedication to exposing the truth. Often journalists can put themselves at risk over stories such as these, whether it be career scrutiny or at risk of PTSD involving details of the investigation.
“Spotlight is must-watch viewing and comes very highly recommended. You will enjoy “Spotlight” if you enjoyed such films as “All the President’s Men” or “The Insider.” All because of the Spotlight team, many individuals have come forward to share their stories of abuse that they suffered at the hands of those they trusted the most. Hopefully because of films like these it will inspire more to come forward and share their stories and be able to heal. Overall, “Spotlight” gets four out of five stars, as it does drag in a few spots. You will soon see, however, why this is must-watch viewing.
