Sunday, November 13, 2005

Movie Review - "Shattered Glass" (2004) ****

Excellent version of the true-life story of Stephen Glass, a journo for the 'New Republic' who was revealed to have simply made up most of his stories. Liars and con-men are traditionally presented in films as good looking smooth talkers - this film seems far more accurate, with Glass the sort of person who takes passive aggression to a new high. "I'm in trouble, aren't I?" he asks a LOT, remembering people's birthdays, praising people, mainly making up the stories just to be liked.
Hayden Christensen is perfect in the role - slightly unconvincing and bland in the Star Wars movies, he is slightly unconvincing and bland here as well but it really suits the role. Peter Skaarsgaard is really good, too, as the unpopular editor whose office unpopularity makes it hard for him to bust the popular Glass - so, too, is Chloe Sveginy. Intelligent, gripping, well made - the sort of film that makes you realise Hollywood can make good films when people of talent are allowed to.

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