“The only way to assert the right to publish is to publish.” Released at a time when American journalists are facing a battle against the first amendment, The Post is a poignant reminder of the difficulties of this profession. Taking Spielberg just 10 weeks to create, the film provides important commentary on Trump’s attack on the fourth estate and just how powerful the media can be.
The film tells the story of the Washington Post in 1971 as it got hold of the Pentagon Papers- records containing government secrets about what was going on behind the scenes of the Vietnam War during the presidency of Richard Nixon. Publisher Kay Graham (Meryl Streep) and editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) are faced with the decision of whether to publish these papers and face legal action or stand up for the principles of journalism.
Streep performs beautifully the struggles that Graham faced- not only the intensity of the decision she must make but also the gender discrimination she endured. Being the second female publisher of a major American newspaper was no mean feat. She’s talked over in board meetings, openly hears how her colleagues have little faith in her and how the readers dislike a woman being in charge. Yet, Graham’s story is still one of triumphant victory.
The film perfectly highlights the newsroom lifestyle; from the competition between publications to the pressure of working to a midnight print deadline and the intensity of the teamwork that goes into it. Hanks’ performance of the editor desperate to break that one big story is excellent and the interwoven historical clips are a fantastic reminder that what you’re watching really happened. It’s been called Spielberg’s ode to journalism and he does truly show how freedom of the press can always triumph, despite the challenges it faces.