SYNOPSICS
The Pentagon Papers (2003) is a English movie. Rod Holcomb has directed this movie. James Spader,Claire Forlani,Paul Giamatti,Alan Arkin are the starring of this movie. It was released in 2003. The Pentagon Papers (2003) is considered one of the best Drama,History,Thriller movie in India and around the world.
Daniel Ellsberg, a hawkish analyst for the Rand Corporation think-tank and later for the U.S. government, supports the war in Vietnam until two powerful occurrences: the experience, first-hand, of combat and political turmoil in Vietnam, and the discovery of secret Defense Department documents detailing the deliberate fabrication of reasons to initiate and expand the war. Facing a crisis of conscience, Ellsberg becomes convinced that the American people have not been told the truth about the war, its justifications, or its likely outcome. He decides to expose the secret history of the war in hopes that the American public, its eyes opened, will force the government to end the war. In order to do so, he must risk his career and his freedom, perhaps even his life.
The Pentagon Papers (2003) Trailers
The Pentagon Papers (2003) Reviews
eerily relevant lesson for today
It's a history lesson that many, who did not live through that times, should watch. Like most, I had only a passing understanding of what happened. In fact I listened to those who said Daniel Ellsberg was a traitor, and thought it an acceptable view. Having watched the movie, I now have a better appreciation of the actual story behind the rhetoric. It is a must watch for everybody who thinks history doesn't repeat itself. James Spader is always good in his films. Sometimes the film is not up to snuf, but the subject matter here elevates everything. It could have been improved if they had a little more money for the Vietnam parts of the movie. Paul Giamatti is also good in this. YOU MUST WATCH THIS.
Technically Brilliant
This is a wonderful film for anyone who appreciates the craft of film-making. There is a totally consistent vision throughout and it all fits and syncs beautifully. From the direction through to the dialogue, editing and sound. Also some truly inspired performances by the supporting cast. Spader is a little weak, but perhaps that's like saying David Ducovny is weak in the X-Files; when anything else would be camp. By the time you see the end of the film you realise that he has truly studied his character and the resemblance is profound. A brilliant conspiracy film, though as mentioned it's always best to read the book and do your own research before you start quoting facts and figures to your friends. Being a sound guy though, what inspired me most was the overall sound design for the film - the way they blend sound within the film and the musical score and the fact that the use of various instruments is relevant to each sequence in the story - the use of piano during the intimate bedroom scene (he was destined to become a concert pianist) and so forth. In conclusion, I've read above that this was made for TV, which greatly impresses me as I hired it from the video store... made for TV is never like this. And I must mention that the style is perfect - the documentary format of this film is perfect for the subject matter and the creative licence with the editing actually works, I'd be afraid of overdoing it but they throw in fades to itself and layering, throwing white-balance to the wind, it's a flawless production, I'm just so impressed, so inspired to translate this into my own short films and be more daring. 9/10
Provocative and enthralling
The Pentagon Papers looked interesting enough when I randomly grabbed it off the shelf. I admit I am not by any means a fan of James Spader, I've always found him stiff and very self serving but in this case it absolutely worked for his character. Based on an incredible true story that few people know or remember and in fact was an enormous turning point in history. It changed the way everyone looked at Government and (if you believe the film) single handedly ended the United States' longest and losing war. Veteran TV director Rod Holcomb did a brilliant job capturing the era without over doing it and more importantly capturing the man that the film was about. He draws you into the story and keeps you in the time for each event. The film is quite short considering it's depth and time line and yet it never feels rushed...it's almost perfection. A brilliant TV film that is a must see for conspiracy buffs and more importantly history fans. Spader plays Daniel Ellsberg. A self involved, pontificating but important man who creates war reports and strategies for the U.S. He wants nothing more than to work directly for The President of The United States and change the world with his mind. He lives in a world clouded by the opinion that the government is the be all and end all. He takes this opinion to Vietnam with him when he gets a job with the Secretary of Defense. It's only after he returns to the U.S. and is given a top secret document that he helped write that his whole world is shattered. Spader does a great job showing Ellsberg's deep patriotism, and his life devoted to his work. Spader is actually watchable and does a great job. I would have even given him an Emmy which is something considering I can't stand the guy usually. Claire Forlani also turns out a great performance as reporter Patricia Marx, and Spader's love interest and later wife. She usually plays such soft spoken characters I thought it was just in her blood to do so but Marx is an outspoken, strong female character and Forlani does great. Her and Spader have terrific chemistry and are great together. Paul Giamatti shows up as a co-worked and later peace advocate/hippie and he continues his streak of brilliant support acting. His presence is just welcomed and he always ups the ante of any cast. In this particular role, although small he does a great job. Actor Alan Arkin plays Spader's boss who acquires him The Pentagon Papers. He was Emmy award nominated and his role was good don't get me wrong, he's a terrific actor and been around for many, many years but his role is very small. The Film covers the brutal war in Vietnam, the Watergate scandal and the involvement of 4 sitting Presidents spanning nearly thirty years. It's intriguing and thought provoking and a must see. Brilliant performances on top of an even more brilliant story about a man who changed the face of history quite bravely. For everything this film does in ninety minutes it's remarkable because it never feels rushed and it covers so much. It's one of the most intelligent and entertaining films I've ever seen, and based on fact. Definitely a must see!! 9/10
History of Lies
In the 70s, the ambitious and brilliant Daniel Ellsberg (James Spader) aims to work in the Defense Department of the USA. His ambition destroys his marriage and he goes to Vietnam to fight. He meets Patricia Marx (Claire Forlani), the daughter of a wealthy manufacturer of toys, and they have a brief affair. Once back in the USA, he works as analyst for the Rand Corporation and he finds secret Defense Department documents showing that the American population was being deceived along four successive governments about the Vietnam War. With the support of Patricia and his close friend Anthony Russo (Paul Giamatti), he decides to disclose the documents to the American people, being accused of treason by the government of Richard Nixon. "Pentagon Papers" is a surprisingly good political film about the history of lies of the Vietnam War. I did not expect such a good movie, indeed very recommended for students. The direction is excellent, the true story is very tense, and the conclusion, with the statement of the real Daniel Ellsberg is fantastic. James Spader and Claire Forlani show great chemistry in this good TV movie. My vote is eight. Title (Brazil): "Segredos do Pentágono" ("Secrets of the Pentagon")
Amazing Story Told Amazingly Well
This is a terrific movie about a story that few know. I believe Walter Cronkite called Daniel Ellsberg's leaking of the Pentagon Papers war document the most important story of the latter part of the 20th Century. Performances are really strong and the direction excellent. This is one of those rare moments when a telefilm elevates itself and becomes something very important.