ad

On the box

On the box

Every now and then you’ll encounter a television program that leaves you feeling a little bit smarter and more informed.

For most people, that program would be Q and A or Lateline or if you’re really reaching, The Bolt Report. For me, the fast and intelligent dialogue written by Aaron Sorkin, a man whose writing credentials include The West Wing and The Social Network, fills that void. Sorkin’s latest,

The Newsroom, is a thoroughly engaging drama about what goes in to making cable news television.

Those familiar with Sorkin’s work will know that the dialogue in The Newsroom is its strongest feature. It is smart, punchy and very well structured. There is never a sense that this is just another comedy satire about the news. The Newsroom begins its story in 2010, using real life events such as the BP oil leak, the Tea Party movement and the death of Osama Bin Laden as a backdrop.

These huge real world stories are examined from the challenging angle of presenting the facts, and The Newsroom doesn’t hold back in its critiques of other modern-day news outlets and the industry as a whole.

The casting is spot on and Jeff Daniels is perfect as Will McAvoy, a clear cut, veteran news anchor who hides behind the ratings. Daniels’ portrayal of McAvoy is very grounded and compelling to watch as a once respected journalist who has a massive fall from grace after losing his credibility.

Emily Mortimer is delicate and charming as the hard-nosed executive producer of Newsnight, Mackenzie McHail who also just happens to be Will’s ex-girlfriend. The cast is rounded out by Olivia Munn, known for being on the YouTube channel G4 and for being the only good thing men who were dragged along to see the film Magic Mike saw in the entire film.

Munn’s Sloan Sabbith is a socially inept economist who is as dysfunctional as she is stunning.
The Newsroom shifts brilliantly between the busy behind-the-scenes of news making, while zoning in and out of themes of politics, ethics, corporate espionage and conspiracy.

It never loses sight of its characters, which are well defined and very human. The context of the news environment is very well researched and accurate to the time, with real clips and footage used to help anchor the series in reality.

One minor drawback of the program would be its pacing. There is an infrequent comedic undertone that lurches up unexpectedly, drawing the viewer out of the program.

It feels forced to add cheap, almost slapstick, moments to the series, but this could also be due to the performances of the wider ensemble cast which aren’t as convincing.

The Newsroom can be seen on Foxtel’s SoHo channel and is definitely worth a look.

Join our Facebook Group
ad