Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

The Post
2017
***½
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, Bruce Greenwood, Matthew Rhys, Alison Brie, Carrie Coon, Michael Stuhlbarg

In 1971, Katharine Graham, the owner of Washington Post, is about to list the newspaper on the stock exchange. When the Post acquires classified government reports that could expose a far-reaching cover-up related to the war in Vietnam, Katharine must decide if she is willing to risk the paper's and her own future. Steven Spielberg's no-nonsense drama celebrates the First Amendment right to free speech, which has become an extremely topical issue under the Trump administration. This true story proceeds pretty much as expected, but thanks to assured directing and wonderful acting, the film is consistently captivating. Meryl Streep as the timid heroine and Tom Hanks as the principled editor are great. This is a lovely companion piece to All the President's Men, which charted the newspaper's further heroics in journalism.