Ben Affleck redeems himself

Film: State of Play
Cast: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, robin Wright Penn, Jesse Bateman, Jeff Daniels, Viola Davis, Josh Mostel.
Director: Kevin McDonald.
Cinema: Rainbow town.
Running time: 120 minutes
Type of film: political corruption/murder: whodunit and why.
Reviewed by Prof Joel White
On whatever level or criteria you choose the best entertainment, or any other way, to spend time in Harare.
The film “State of Play,” made, I’m told, more than two years ago, will keep the filmgoer entranced for two full hours – at a cost of only 50cents per hour.
Full of surprises not least, the performance of Ben Affleck.
Coming into view about 15 years ago, in the film “Good Will Hunting,” he was overshadowed by his co-star (and pal) Matt Damon.
Later, a disastrous romance with the up and coming Jennifer Lopez, left him high and dry, with egg on his face.
Matt Damon went on to maturity and stardom while Ben Affleck’s career was stymied.
Born in California in 1972, Ben Affleck, with this film has, in my opinion, fully redeemed himself. “State of Play” is set in the present day in America’s capital, Washington, DC.
Attending this film will give the viewer, at the least, a superb tour of the City with the Capital front and centre.
The political scene in the United States consists of Senators and Representatives, with 100 of the former (two from each State) and approximately 400 representatives, depending on the population of each State.
Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck ) is a Congressman from an unnamed State, who is caught up in a widening scandal when one of his staff members, Sonja Baker, appears to have committed suicide by throwing herself in front of a subway train.
Later, it is revealed, she was murdered.
The accompanying investigation uncovers that there was an ongoing sexual relationship between Sonja and her married Congressman (Affleck).
The plot (and the film) takes its place alongside the greatest of films, which have portrayed the day by day work of the big city newspaper journalist.
Enter Russell Crowe in a role, which as with Affleck has made a committed and idolatrous fan of this reviewer.
For the first time I can admire and applaud Crowe the actor, who has received plaudits from all quarters, but never from me.
Viewers of this film will gain insight into the working of a major national newspaper, the Washington Globe, whose editor, played by the incomparable Helen Mirren, leaving behind her 65 years of age and giving the performance of a lifetime.
This fictional newspaper is the mirror image of the real life and highly prestigious Washington Post. The accurate and pressed for time work on a daily newspaper is clearly limned in this film as in no other I’ve seen for many a year.
Pay attention to the very early scene in which a bicycle-riding passerby is accidentally witness to a seemingly commonplace street thief’s murder.
Highest recommendation.