Film Summary And Film Analysis: The War In Vietnam

This movie was interesting to watch on many levels. In a resent history class, I was able to learn all about the War in Vietnam going back to the turn of the century. I learned about the US involvement both helping the Vietnamese as well as the gruesome war that ensued we are all familiar with. I learned that the US government lied to the American people about their efforts and the progress that was being made. To watch this film, I was able to see how it all unfolded- and it was pretty interesting. I found myself lost in the story- which is not a bad thing, but I wasn’t really paying attention to the women vs. men parable. At first, I didn’t particularly like the way Meryl Streep portrayed Katharine Graham. I felt like she was too mousy, like

She was in a much higher role then most females of the day. I finally recognized her strength in the scene with Tom Hanks character, Ben Bradlee, was talking to his wife about them releasing the confidential documents even after a court order shut the NY Times down for the same information. His wife listens to him explain what was happening and her reply was, “Wow, she is so brave.” Bradlee didn’t particularly like his wife not praising him as well and comments, “She’s not the only brave one…” To which his wife explain what exactly Katharine could loss by publishing such information. She tells him that though his reputation may get tarnished, she stands to loss everything she has and yet still wanted to go public. This is when I really started to see the dynamic of just how it used to be as professional women back in the days. Even in her inner circle, Katharine found men whom found her unfit to be in

The strides the press has made over the years is quite amazing. How today government is has, what I would call, an unhealthy relationship with the reporters from any media outlet. Even before Trump coined the phrase, “Fake News”; the associated press had a hard time getting in with high powered government functions. In the 50’s and 60’s, reporters and politicians went everywhere together. Vacations, family events, even just going to each others house for friendly gatherings; a complete 180 degrees change from what its like today. This historical time line shows the beginning of the end for the reporter/ politician dynamic. The final ruling handed down by the Supreme Court solidified it by stating-(in so many words), “The press works for the governed, not the government.” We as citizens of the US are entitled to certain rights and privileges such as knowing what is really happening in regards to the countries spending. With trillions of dollars spent on things such as defense and infrastructure, the amount of money doesn’t seem to be enough. We get deeper in dept while the government gives us minimal explanations for the state of our affairs. Instead of the press hiding the facts or sugar coating what was needed, they are just as clueless of what is going on behind the government