Absence of Malice Review
Absence of Malice brought up some very interesting journalistic issues concerning responsibility, accuracy and truth in reporting. The most provocative question the movie posed was if "truth" is really true. Most individuals in professions in which the "truth" is a pivotal and necessary aspect rarely consider what truth is exactly or what constitutes it.
This is especially pertinent in journalism.
Few journalists take the time to "stop scribbling, put the ballpoint pen down" and think about the effects of their actions and whether or not what they're reporting is fact or opinion. They strive to be objective which is defined in many journalists' minds as reporting "THE TRUTH." However, what most reporters fail to realize is that the meaning of the word, "truth," is subjective.
The word, truth, is all too often overused and under-interpreted nowadays. As it is used and overused, the real meaning and force behind this magnificent word becomes bastardized and trite. Oftentimes journalists hide behind the word. As Sally Field espoused in Absence of Malice when Paul Newman accused her story as the reason behind his sister's suicide, "I was just reporting the truth."
The truth indeed; in this age of uncertainty not only journalists but all of us must take more stock in what we talk about and say of others. We must think before we act; thinking about the consequences of our words and our doings. Only then can we become more responsible and sympathetic people.
This is especially pertinent in journalism.
Few journalists take the time to "stop scribbling, put the ballpoint pen down" and think about the effects of their actions and whether or not what they're reporting is fact or opinion. They strive to be objective which is defined in many journalists' minds as reporting "THE TRUTH." However, what most reporters fail to realize is that the meaning of the word, "truth," is subjective.
The word, truth, is all too often overused and under-interpreted nowadays. As it is used and overused, the real meaning and force behind this magnificent word becomes bastardized and trite. Oftentimes journalists hide behind the word. As Sally Field espoused in Absence of Malice when Paul Newman accused her story as the reason behind his sister's suicide, "I was just reporting the truth."
The truth indeed; in this age of uncertainty not only journalists but all of us must take more stock in what we talk about and say of others. We must think before we act; thinking about the consequences of our words and our doings. Only then can we become more responsible and sympathetic people.
posted by trentmurdoc at
4:12 PM
11 Comments:
I liked how you mentioned that too many journalists just write things without actually thinking about what the person was saying. Even though what the person is saying is important, knowing why they said it may be even more valuable because it will allow a chance for a follow-up question to ask.
I thought you wrote a really nice review on the movie, especially dealing with the idea that journalists need to be careful with the power they have. I don't think many journalists realize the extent of this power because they are simply too busy trying to get a story. The movie demonstrates that the news does affect normal, everyday people, even in a negative way.
I think it is important to consider, as you did, the fact that truth is, for the most part, subjective. Few truths are objective (2+3=5)and those few objective truths are NEVER newsworthy. The news deals with subjective versions of the "truth;" usually these versions are versions that best suit those who are claiming them as truth.
You wrote a very good review about this movie. It is very true that truth is subjective. There are many different versions and it is a reporter's responcibility to make sure their truth is most accurate.
This was a very interesting review. You bought up many good points and I must agree with you that journalists need to "put down the ball point pen" at times and realize what is most important in certain situations. Nice review.
I agree truth is a major element in journalism. Sometimes reporters write what they think is the truth and many times that is not alays the case. In Absence of Malice the word truth appeared many times which I found ironic because Sally Field never used the truth.
I also thought it was interesting how there is such a different between what is truth and what is accurate. It was surprising that she only realized it towards the end of the movie.
Your comment really brought a lot of thoughts to mind. I like your use of "the truth" comment in the movie. I thought that was a key aspect of the movie that went overlooked, strictly because the movie focused more on the revenge aspect of the movie.
Your blog was my absolute favorite. I thought it was extremly well written and clear. you got your point across and you let your personalitu guide it.I especially loved how you described that the word "truth" has become trite! So true. I could not agree more!
I really like what you said about truth being subjective. This couldn't be more true. Every story has an infinite amount of sides, and the "truth." In the movie, Sally Field claimed to be reporting the truth, that Michael Gallager was under investigation; however, this wasn't entirely accurate. But the question is who gets to decide what truth is? Is truth to the best of the writer's knowledge and good faith?
I really like what you said about truth being subjective. This couldn't be more true. Every story has an infinite amount of sides, and the "truth." In the movie, Sally Field claimed to be reporting the truth, that Michael Gallager was under investigation; however, this wasn't entirely accurate. But the question is who gets to decide what truth is? Is truth to the best of the writer's knowledge and good faith?
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