Truth makes for well-rounded characters. The constantly impressive Blanchett is maverick news producer Mapes, with the depressingly radical support of her ‘house-husband’ (a sincere Hickey), and further complemented by an avuncular Robert Redford and a welcome big-screen return for Quaid.

One of the most refreshing things about Truth is its topic: this true story is not about a roaring triumph – more a rather monumental cock-up. This allows for a revitalizing change of pace near the halfway point as everyone rushes into crisis mode. In fraught moments, however, things do veer slightly into schmaltzy pomposity over the importance of their work.

Taking itself so seriously, Truth may not score big with all cinemagoers, but you’d be hard pushed to not at least be reasonably won over by the excellent ensemble cast of characters.

RATING: 3/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Cate Blanchett, Robert Redford, Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace, Elisabeth Moss, John Benjamin Hickey, Stacy Keach

DIRECTOR: James Vanderbilt

WRITER: James Vanderbilt, Mary Mapes (book)

SYNOPSIS: 60 Minutes news producer Mary Mapes (Blanchett) and her team resurrect a story she abandoned previously, questioning details of President George W. Bush’s military records in the run-up to his 2004 re-election.  Things come unstuck, however, when bloggers and the press criticise the validity of their sources.