Truth

The concept of "truth" is loaded. In the places where we want the most accuracy, like in a court of law and in our journalism, we really just want a good story told with as much integrity as possible. Journalistic integrity, however, is not a requirement of narrative films that are "based on a riveting true story."

The movie "Truth" written and directed by James Vanderbilt and based on the book "Truth and Duty: The Press, The President, and the Privilege of Power," tells the story of one of network news' biggest scandals. Joining the ranks of movies like "All the President's Men" and "Spotlight," it's about journalists confronting a major institution with more than enough power to shut them up.

How accurate is it? That's not important. It's a great story about the unraveling of a woman (in a man's world) being pushed down by a powerful patriarchy. It is as well-crafted and nuanced as a Shakespearian tragedy. And Cate Blanchett plays the kind of transformative role that is almost never written for a woman, except her.

Mary Mapes (Blanchett) is at the top of her career. She has just produced one of the biggest expos�s in modern network journalism, the "60 Minutes" feature about the Abu Ghraib photos.

Now she feels like she may have uncovered one of the biggest revelations of the 2004 election: the U.S. Government may be covering up details of George W. Bush's military service and it may have been giving privileges to rich, white, ivy league students that would send poor soldiers to prison.

When allegations come to light that one of the journalist's sources may have been faked, a whirlwind of accusations and media frenzy covers up the important, true story that Mapes is trying to reveal.

The beloved network anchorman Dan Rather (the legendary Robert Redford returns for another movie about a monumental government cover-up of the free press) stands behind Mapes at every turn. But the powers-that-be have the influence to destroy them all.

This Blu-ray disc comes with some substantial exclusive features, including two significant featurettes with interviews of the real Mary Mapes and Dan Rather, as well as Blanchett, Redford, the director and more. A number of deleted scenes have also been included in addition to a commentary with the director and producers and a Q&A with Blanchett, Elisabeth Moss and James Vanderbilt.

"Truth"
Blu-ray
$22.79
www.SonyClassics.com