Journalists on the Big Screen

On 1st November the story of Philomena will be released. Philomena tells the true dramatic story of a teenager falling pregnant in Ireland. Labelled as a fallen woman, she was sent to a convent where her baby was taken and adopted against her will. Filled with guilt, Philomena cannot keep her 50 year long secret anymore. With the immense help of journalist Martian Sixsmith, she starts a journey to uncover the truth about her son. With the release of this highly anticipated movie, we are taking a look back at some of the greatest real-life journalists portrayed on the screen.

All The President’s Men (1976)

This Academy Award-winning political thriller tells the non-fiction story about the two journalists (played very famously by the legends Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman) investigating the Watergate scandal for The Washington Post. The film received numerous good mentions including two Academy Awards.

Welcome To Sarajevo (1997)

UK journalist Michael Henderson (Stephen Dillane) and US journalist Jimmy Fynn (woody Harrelson) meet at the beginning of the Bosnian war in Sarajevo. As their time in Sarajevo continues, the suffering of the community becomes apparent. Using his power as a journalist, Henderson makes a report on a local orphanage which lies on the front lines of the war where the suffering of the children is overwhelming. Henderson makes the suffering in the orphanage his lead story to draw attention to the war and becomes heavily involved in the evacuation.

Good Night, And Good Luck (2005)

Set in the early days of broadcast journalism, Good Night and Good Luck tells the story of journalist Edward R. Murrow and his loyal team as they refuse to obey the corporate and sponsorship pressure to discredit the tactics used by Joseph McCarthy during his frequent communist allegations. Nominated for six Academy Awards, six BAFTAs, and four Golden Globes, the movie was highly successful.

The Boys Are Back (2009)

This emotional drama follows the story of Joe Warr (Clive Owen) a British sports writer as his life unravels. Warr’s wife is diagnosed with cancer and dies, leaving him as a single parent with the responsibility of balancing writing and parenting.

Philomena (2013)

Steve Coogan plays Martin Sixsmith, a recently sacked political spin doctor and former journalist who has hit rock bottom. Following the extraordinary story of a mother (Judi Dench) and the quest to find her long lost son, Philomena gives Coogan the chance to show off his considerable acting skills in a heartfelt straight role – that he won the best screenplay award at the Venice Film Festival for co-writing the film must be a welcome bonus!



Follow Martin and Philomena as they seek out the truth in PHILOMENA – released in the UK on November 1st.