The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland List: A Love Letter to Journalism

How often do you sit there thinking about what to watch? You might have an endless watchlist that keeps piling up (I certainly have one myself). Sometimes you are just in the mood for a type of film or a certain filmmaker or actor and want to take yourself into a deep dive. As someone who watches so many movies, I have people asking me for recommendations all the time. One of the best feelings as a cinephile is recommending a film and that person loves it. Take this wealth of cinematic knowledge and experience and enjoy some recommendations on me. Genre. Subgenre. Filmmaker. Actor. Composer. Writer. Genre. Story. Trope. Cliché. Any other cinematic elements or them. Here is The Wasteland List:   

Journalism Films

His Girl Friday (1940)

What is the most fast-talking and hilarious journalism film around? His Girl Friday balances fast-talking humor and some crime thriller elements expertly behind the impeccable direction of Howard Hawks and the dynamic and electric duo of Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. Walter and Hildy are the type of newspaper folks who live for it above all else, which makes for plenty of drama and conflict along the way.

All the President’s Men (1976)

What is THE journalist film that sets the bar for all other films to tackle such topics? All the President’s Men is so impactful because it highlights one of the darkest days in American history while showing the power of the film press in a crusade to save the integrity of America. Dustin Hoffman (Carl Bernstein) and Robert Redford (Bob Woodward) are an excellent duo who carry this film to such an impressive legacy.

Network (1976)

What is one of the most biting presentations of the news in the history of cinema? Network is a biting and razor-sharp satire in the hands of Sidney Lumet through the hilarious, terrifying, and prophet words of Paddy Chayefsky. This shocking and wild exploration of our society comes to life so vividly with this stacked cast with William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall, and Ned Beatty.

Superman (1978)

What is the perfect job for the purest and most impactful superhero of all time? Superman is a wondrous comic book movie that captures the magic of a man who could fly, a moving journey of self-actualization, and a hopeful look at the world and the impact that a journalist can make in delivering truth. Christopher Reeve just might be the perfect Superman and the rest of the cast is so charming and really brings the world of Superman to life.

The Killing Fields (1984)

What is one of the most traumatic and powerful films you will find about a journalist? The Killing Fields is a compelling and visceral cinematic experience that drops the audience into such harrowing historical events (Pol Pot’s bloody Year Zero cleansing campaign) through its central journalist (who is the audience’s surrogate). Sam Waterston makes for a strong anchoring performance but Haing S. Ngor really adds so many layers to this powerful and impactful film.

Broadcast News (1987)

What is a film that delivers impactful explorations of journalism but also delivers a compelling romantic love triangle? James L. Brooks’ Broadcast News is a compelling exploration of how journalists manipulate what audiences witness in terms of what the “truth” is. The film really rises high on the rich dynamics between three impressive performers, Holly Hunter, William Hurt, and Albert Brooks.

The Insider (1999)

What is the quintessential whistleblower film ripped from the headlines? Michael Mann is a compelling filmmaker who delivers a visceral and engrossing thriller that explores the power dynamics between corporations and the people who are under their thumbs. The one-two punch of Russell Crowe and Al Pacino carry this film and its large runtime with their engrossing and committed performances.

Almost Famous (2000)

What is a great film that explores the journalistic aspects of the world of music? Cameron Crowe draws upon his own experiences on the road and delivers an engaging and layered look at a band’s journey through the wide-eyed perspective of a teenager. Almost Famous delivers a top tier soundtrack while capturing the naturalistic presentation of these new bands with stand out performances from Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, and Jason Lee.

Spider-Man (2002)

What is the superhero film that leverages journalism and public opinion that best? Peter Parker is a photojournalist who of course Spider-Man with Spider-Man (and its sequels) explored who J. Jonah Jameson wants to manipulate the public opinion on the web slinger. Sam Raimi delivers one of the most stylish and thrilling visions for a comic book movie to date and there are plenty of great elements to make Spider-Man essential superhero viewing as well.

Zodiac (2007)

How do you make a three-hour film about a journalistic investigation so thrilling and engrossing? Well…David Fincher is one of the greatest filmmakers working today and he is able to craft Zodiac in a way that feeds on paranoia, fear, and atmosphere for sure. There might not be a clear answer to the big thesis of the Zodiac investigation but the guiding hand of Fincher paired with the powerful acting trio of Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr. make this one of the most compelling investigative films ever.

The Post (2017)

Wait, there are more films about journalism and the horrible, corrupt acts of the United States government during the 60s and 70s? Steven Spielberg delivered a star-studded and impeccably directed film that captures a tense story of morality and journalist integrity. The likes of Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep go a long way with their strong performances and mix in a laundry list of Hollywood’s best character actors and a great John Williams score just ties this all together.

The French Dispatch (2021)

Who wants to experience a beautiful mosaic of journalistic expression and interest areas? Wes Anderson is the right type of auteur who can deliver such a unique and creative film with plenty of symmetry, animation, action, sexual tension, and dry humor. The French Dispatch offers up a variety of compelling tales with a mixture of genre but all brought to life with Anderson’s compelling and engrossing visual style and an impossibly stacked cast of incredible actors.