SHATTERED GLASS

Starring:
Hayden Christensen, Peter Sarsgaard, Chloë Sevigny, Melanie Lynskey, Steve Zahn, Rosario Dawson, Chad Donella and Hank Azaria

Director:
Billy Ray

Running Time:
99 mins

Out to buy on DVD 04/10/04

"I'm sorry, have I done something wrong"

Stepthen Glass

Stephen Glass (Christensen) was at the top of his game. Aged only 26, he had become the most gifted staff writer at one of the most respected magazines in the US, The New Republic. His stories had made waves within the journalistic community but when his latest piece "Hacker Heaven" hit newsstands, a fledgling Internet publication looked into the story and found that not all of Stephen's quotes and facts were actually true.

Hayden Christensen tries step out of the shadow of Anakin Skywalker to answer his critics and prove he can actually act. In Shattered Glass he succeeds.

Acting in one of the largest franchises in cinematic history can help or hinder your career. For every Harrison Ford there is a Mark Hamill. After a slightly harsh critical assessment of his acting ability in that movie from a galaxy far, far away, the role of Stephen Glass is as far removed as he could get from that larger than life, iconic character. This is a role that Christensen can really get his teeth into and shows there is more to him that just eccentric casting.

He is really helped by the fact that the subject matter and the character he portrays are so fascinating that you can't help been drawn into the story. The rise and fall of Stephen Glass takes you into the world of journalism where magazines ruled and the influence of the Internet was still in its infancy. The New Republic magazine, the in-flight choice of Air Force One, was a market leader, so the fact that one of its star journalists was fabricating stories was an extraordinary one. This grabs you from the off as you witness the darling of the newsroom turning into a gibbering mess as his house of cards comes crashing down around him.

The supporting cast of young upcoming actors take centre stage as Stephen's friends and co-workers. Chloë Sevigny and Melanie Lynskey prove again that they are fine character actresses. As Glass's best friends and most hardened supporters Caitlin and Amy, they find it incomprehensible that he could do such a thing. Peter Sarsgaard is exceptional as New Republic editor Chuck Lane. He plays the slightly nervous and overwhelmed character extremely well and his transformation from quiet, owner controlled puppet into a first rate editor is testament to Sarsdgaard's unassuming style and skill. There is also good support in smaller roles by Steve Zahn, Rosario Dawson and Hank Azaria.

Shattered Glass is a fascinating look at a man who just loved been the centre of attention far too much. He had to be adored by the people he worked with and within the journalistic community. While his true motivations or background are not clearly revealed, the story grips you from the off and the superb performances throughout make this an absorbing look at the pursuit of fame and recognition at any cost.

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in Widescreen 2.35:1 Anamorphic with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the transfer is good. The bright lights of the New Republic offices radiate from the screen through the very sharp picture. The soundtrack doesn't really fill your speakers with a crescendo of noise but there is a strong emphasis on dialogue, which you need in a movie like this.

BONUS FEATURES

Commentary from writer/director Billy Ray and former New Republic editor Chuck Lane

This informative and chatty commentary reveals all of the secrets behind the filming of Shattered Glass. By including Chuck Lane on the commentary, the listener is offered a first hand account of what actually occurred in the newsroom of the New Republic. Writer/director Billy Ray reveals how Stephen Glass didn't actually contribute to the movie but he had to get his accounts from the people who worked with him and were actually duped by the creative writer. Taking you from the initial 'Stephen Glass style' pitch for the movie and through the filming process, the pair talks passionately about a project that has touched them dramatically in very different ways. The commentary offers a fascinating insight into Stephen Glass's deception and the story it created.

60 Minutes Special: 'Lies' an Interview with Stephen Glass (12.36 mins)
With contributions from former New Republic editor Chuck Lane and literary editor Leon Weaseltear, American news show 60 Minutes talks to Stephen Glass himself as he tries to explain why he fabricated all of those stories. This extremely informative featurette reveals how Glass made up sources, notes, websites, e-mail addresses and voice mail messages all to continue the illusion of a story. We also find out about the repercussions of what he did and what Stephen Glass is doing now.

Theatrical Trailer (2.05 mins)
Your chance to watch the preview trailer that promoted the movie.

OVERALL

A very compelling and interesting movie receives a good DVD transfer. The short featurette allows you to actually see Stephen Glass as he tries to explain the reasons behind his actions but it is the commentary track that is the best bonus feature. The inclusion of Chuck Lane provides a fascinating insight into the time, making you realise how good a job writer/director Billy Ray did with the movie. This is a very good buy for fans of the film and a must rent for everyone who missed it at the cinema.

DVD

The Paper


The Usher Home | Hush, Hush... | The Big Story | The Usher Speaks

Stuck @ Home | Coming Soon | Links | Contact the Usher

2004