The movies Foreign Correspondent (1940) dir. Alfred Hitchcock, All the President’s Men (1976) dir. Alan J. Pakula, and Spotlight (2015) dir. Tom McCarthy all emphasize different characteristics about journalists through their portrayals of investigative journalism, both in substances and style. These demonstrate the varying perceptions of journalism over time as well as in response to different situations. While many factors contribute to these differences, I believe the changes over time are primarily the result of the institutions faced and the crimes occurring within them. These affect how personal the story is to the writers themselves and the approach necessary for them to take in dealing with those accused.
In Foreign Correspondent, the …show more content…
This movie shows a more intricate version of journalism than Foreign Correspondent, depicting their job as calling sources and knocking on doors instead of chasing murderers and kidnappers. The two begin their investigation about the break in at the DNC headquarters, and become captivated when they discover the burglars were paid by White House officials. They rely on an anonymous informant known as Deep Throat to provide clues and direction on breaking the story, including looking into the Committee to Reelect the President, also known as CREEP, and the funds donated to them. Eventually, Woodward and Bernstein publish their story that the Watergate break in was orchestrated by Nixon’s Chief of Staff, Haldeman, and continue their reporting until the movie ends with Nixon’s …show more content…
While they all show a dedication to their work and finding the truth, they each have certain nuances in how they reach that goal. In Foreign Correspondent, Haverstock begins a romantic relationship with Carol during their investigation of Van Meer’s disappearance. Once Fisher is revealed as the mastermind of the kidnapping, Haverstock demonstrates his loyalty to Carol and his gratitude for Fisher’s sacrifice by refusing to go forward with the story. He only calls his editors in the United States after Carol insists the truth be told, whether or not it stigmatizes her father. This characteristic is somewhat unique to Haverstock; while the writers in All the President’s Men and Spotlight are not quite in comparable situations, they do lean towards the truth more than protecting someone’s reputation. Spotlight editor Robinson repeatedly urges his lawyer friend Jim Sullivan, who represented several priests accused of abuse, to help them. However, Sullivan refuses to aid the team. Robinson remains dedicated to the story, even though he knows it will hurt Sullivan’s reputation in the community. In the end, he confirms the investigative work done by Spotlight, though they were willing to go forward without him and damage his image. Robinson approaches others attempting to exploit a personal relationship for cooperation, such as the current principal of his former high school, but none others agree. Still,
In Foreign Correspondent, the …show more content…
This movie shows a more intricate version of journalism than Foreign Correspondent, depicting their job as calling sources and knocking on doors instead of chasing murderers and kidnappers. The two begin their investigation about the break in at the DNC headquarters, and become captivated when they discover the burglars were paid by White House officials. They rely on an anonymous informant known as Deep Throat to provide clues and direction on breaking the story, including looking into the Committee to Reelect the President, also known as CREEP, and the funds donated to them. Eventually, Woodward and Bernstein publish their story that the Watergate break in was orchestrated by Nixon’s Chief of Staff, Haldeman, and continue their reporting until the movie ends with Nixon’s …show more content…
While they all show a dedication to their work and finding the truth, they each have certain nuances in how they reach that goal. In Foreign Correspondent, Haverstock begins a romantic relationship with Carol during their investigation of Van Meer’s disappearance. Once Fisher is revealed as the mastermind of the kidnapping, Haverstock demonstrates his loyalty to Carol and his gratitude for Fisher’s sacrifice by refusing to go forward with the story. He only calls his editors in the United States after Carol insists the truth be told, whether or not it stigmatizes her father. This characteristic is somewhat unique to Haverstock; while the writers in All the President’s Men and Spotlight are not quite in comparable situations, they do lean towards the truth more than protecting someone’s reputation. Spotlight editor Robinson repeatedly urges his lawyer friend Jim Sullivan, who represented several priests accused of abuse, to help them. However, Sullivan refuses to aid the team. Robinson remains dedicated to the story, even though he knows it will hurt Sullivan’s reputation in the community. In the end, he confirms the investigative work done by Spotlight, though they were willing to go forward without him and damage his image. Robinson approaches others attempting to exploit a personal relationship for cooperation, such as the current principal of his former high school, but none others agree. Still,