The Fifth Estate (2013, R)

It’s a Capaldi Fall field trip today!  I’ve just returned from my friendly neighborhood multiplex, where I saw PC on the big screen in The Fifth Estate.  No doubt you’ve seen the trailer dozens of times in recent weeks, like I have; I must say, I was a little unsure about Benedict Cumberbatch’s Julian Assange, but seeing the whole performance in context, he’s extremely good.

 

The Fifth Estate is, of course, the story of WikiLeaks.  Actually, because the film is based on Daniel’s Berg book, it tells Daniel’s story more so than Julian’s.  Daniel is the central character, the tech wizard wiling away his days in a drab German office until the charismatic Julian draws him into the thrilling life of hacktivism.  We watch Daniel throw himself into the work, but gradually become disillusioned with some of Julian’s methods and ideals.

 

PC plays Alan Rusbridger, editor of the U.K. newspaper The Guardian.  The paper becomes aware of WikiLeaks early in its rise and helps to organize the international media coalition that shines the spotlight on its most prominent leaks – chiefly, the Afghan war logs and the diplomatic cables.  There’s an uneasy mixture of feelings behind the alliance.  You have a print media outlet desperate to stay relevant in a changing world of information, being offered colossal scoops on a silver platter.  On the other hand, you have a free-thinking maverick who doesn’t play well with others and may prove unmanageable if his profile gets any more public.

 

You may have noticed that I’m talking about The Guardian rather than Alan specifically.  That’s because most of this aspect of the story is shouldered by investigative journalist Nick Davies.  Alan is the man in charge, so he’s the one ultimately making the decisions, but Nick is the one interacting with Julian and Daniel and getting the lion’s share of the screentime.  As such, we don’t know much about who Alan is apart from his job and the dilemma that comes with it.

 

The always-great Laura Linney is in this film as well.  Also, the Guardian plot features David Thewlis (Lupin from Harry Potter) and Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey’s Matthew Crawley.)  And, obviously, Benedict Cumberbatch – he might have the slightest bit of screentime here.

 

Accent Watch

 

A very nice-sounding RP – well done, PC.

 

Recommend?

 

In General – A cautious yes.  Overall, I think the film isn’t as good as its cast or the story it’s telling.  The start is pretty slow and scattered.  Once they start gearing up for the Afghan war logs, however, it starts to feel more cohesive and cinematic.

 

PC-wise – Not necessarily.  Pretty small role, not much to it.

 

Warnings

 

Sexual content, some language, and brief scenes of violence.