A famous saying goes: some people can’t handle the truth.
In an era where truth and lies are mixed commodities, those daring to reveal genuine facts are often ostracised. Many are willing to cover up true events for their own needs as they spin a web of fiction. Kill the Messenger explores this to good effect. A solid drama/thriller, it highlights why truth-seekers should be applauded in a constantly news-hungry world.
Gary Webb (Jeremy Renner) is a journalist discovering a big story. Learning the CIA’s role in supplying cocaine to American streets in an effort to fund a Nicaraguan Contra army, Webb publishes his findings. Against advice from colleagues, his actions unleash fury. A target of a CIA smear campaign, Webb’s life takes a turn for the worse. With his reputation at stake, he becomes determined to stand by his words against a litany of lies.
Based on true events, Kill the Messenger is consistently gripping. Nothing can ever be more enthralling than the truth, which this movie magnifies. Webb’s despair at how people can be easily manipulated is palatable. Where many are willing to accept what they’re told than truly investigating stories is a marked comment on today’s news-cycle. From Webb’s perspective, creating fiction is easier than facing truths as he learns his enemies will go to any lengths to hide their tracks.
None of this would be as believable had Renner not played the role. He brings authentic conviction to a man willing to stand by his integrity. Journalists aren’t often portrayed in such a good light, although Kill the Messenger is careful not to show Webb as a complete saint. He is a complex man caught in a complex web of deceit. How organisations think they can run rough-shod over people’s lives is an outrage and one told with stirring zeal.
Kill the Messenger provides an abject lesson in why truth matters. This engaging film presents the facts in an enlightening and interesting way. Hopefully viewers can learn a lesson or two in how, eventually, the truth will always win over shadowy duplicity.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14
Rating out of 10: 8
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