I went to college as a Communications Major, hoping to some day become a NY Times journalist. For various reasons I never became one (maybe I’m too independent-minded for this high-quality paper?) That said, it’s worth checking out the flick called simply the Paper, which I saw at least a few times in communications and journalism classes, and then again on cable and on video.

The plot revolves around the hectic schedule that a typical reporter has to follow. A reporter’s job, even a high-paying one, is never very easy. He must stick to tight schedules, he must never miss an interview or an appointment never mind be late for one, he has to try to be on scene as an event or its aftermath, and he should always try to write one long and detailed article on with his pencil or computer keyboard on the paper the following morning. One false move or slight fabrication and you’re on the unemployment lines; just ask Jayson Blair. If you can’t handle this kind of pressure, you shouldn’t be in journalism.

In this case, the reporter is a one Henry Hackett (played by Michael Keaton), who must juggle between his tight work schedule at the New York Sun (probably based on the NY Daily News) and his pregnant wife Martha (Marisa Tomei) who’s always nagging about the lack of attention from him. He’s assigned by the tabloid to report on the manhunt for two black kids who have been found at the scene of a double murder and have fled the scene in panic. Among those pressuring him to write the story by any means necessary is his boss Alicia Clark (Glenn Close) who’s determined to get the first word on the story any means possible.

The New York Sun is headquartered in the skyscraper forest called Midtown Manhattan, where virtually all the newspapers (except the Wall Street Journal, based in Lower Manhattan) have their headquarters. It is from there the NY SUn gets word from a stringer (one who is paid to drive his car around looking for crime scenes and fires to report on, then passes on the details to the newspaper or TV station paying him) about the double homicide.

The plot thickens when the New York Sun investigates the background of the two murdered men, finding about their role in a financial shenanigans related to the mob. At the same time, the editors at the Sun are divided over whether or not to put the covers of the two black youths, now arrested and charged, and how to describe their capture. Ms Clark wants a GOTCHA! title at any cost, while Quaid and Keaton insist that the two kids didn't commit the crimes.

A significant subplot includes another editor Bernie White (Robert Duvall) hanging out with a woman he wants to marry, only to be disappointed when she turns out to be married already. Add in a little job offer from the New York Sentinel (based on the NY Times I believe) to Michael Keaton’s character, which he accepts but is later turned down.

The overall acting is average, with the convincing role coming from Marisa Tomei as the nagging pregnant wife. Michael Keaton lacks the brooding, sharp portrayal he showed in Batman, but this isn't a blockbuster, so I'll forgive him for at least rrying. Randy Quaid is the goofball that his character is portrayed as. Kudos for Robert Duvall and Glenn Close as Hackett's bosses.

There are clichés of characters, inclding the wild-haired goofball (Randy Quaid) the arrogant manager Alicia Clark (Glenn Close), and the wise but lonely chief editor (Robert Duvall) who’s in the thick of the subplot I mentioned earlier.

Another cliche is the hordes of tabloid employees arguing over what the main title and story should be, then disintegrates into what Mr Hackett should do with the job offer from the NY Sentinel. Then, surprise, surprise... the Wild Haired Goofball stacks up all the yellow pages, flicks out a pistol, and... well, you get the picture.

All these unnecessary scenes add from the sharp seriousness of what the day in the existence of a newspaper should be. Overall though, the actors and director do a superb job of showing how turbulent a day in a newsroom really is, especially when they're covering a powerful story that can't be put in a back burner.

Coincidentally: the New York Sun, or at least a paper holding the name, now stands on newspaper shelves: it first came into circulation several years after this film. Anyone wanna take bets on whether or not this paper, or at least its name, was inspired by this movie?

Michael Keaton- Henry Hackett
Marisa Tomei- Martha Hackett
Robert Duvall- Bernie White
Glenn Close- Alicia Clark
Randy Quaid- Michael McDougal- aka the wild-haired goofball

Directed by Ron Howard

Recommended:
Yes