Shattered Glass (2003)

The Plot

Stephen Glass (Hayden Christensen) is a star reporter at 'The New Republic'. Glass is famous for his entertaining articles and is extremely popular among the 'The New Republic' workforce for his genial and sensitive nature. Sky seems to be the limit for the young Glass who's preparing for a career in law when the first cracks appear. Glass' "Hack Heaven" article attracts an investigation from Forbes prompting Glass' boss (the Lead Editor of the 'The New Republic') Charles Lane (Peter Sarsgaard) to step in and verify the facts. Lane having been the editor for only a short while has the complex task of unraveling the truth by going after the highly popular Glass. What is the truth? Is Lane after the truth or after Glass? Who wins? Will Lane be able to save the reputation of the magazine? Watch Shattered Glass today to answer all these questions.

Shattered Glass 2003: Hayden Christensen narrates his hacker story as Chloë Sevigny intently listens <Credts: HD Retro Trailers>

The Review

I said this during the review of Sully, I will say it again the phrase 'True Story' below a movie name gives me the jeepers creepers. Fortunately 'Shattered Glass' like 'Sully' keeps things moving at a great pace and doesn't drown itself in gloom while exploring the downfall of Glass,
In order to enjoy a movie you gotta have characters whom you can root for. The movie presents a clash of styles, the gregarious and affable Glass is pitted against a silent and sort of introverted Lane. The actors playing the characters are a great contrast too. You have the prominent lead hero material Hayden Christensen as the shadowy Glass and the frequent villain Peter Sarsgaard as the truth seeking Lane. Both actors excel playing against the type and bring a whole new level of intensity whenever they face off on the screen.

Lane (Peter Sarsgaard) and Glass (Hayden Christensen) get into an intense argument
The message that a movie delivers lives with you long after the movie finishes. Underneath the veneer of a reality drama 'Shattered Glass' asks us some very poignant questions. Are we all sacrificing substance for the sake of sizzle? At what cost do we give up on our ethics? How do we rectify our own mistakes and move forward? The movie's message answers all of these questions and leaves you with a lasting impact.
The Best Scene: The scene where Lane goes along with Glass to the location of the hacker's conference and confronts him with the truth once he realizes that Glass is way off with the facts is probably the best scene in the movie. The scene builds up to a crescendo where facts mentioned in Glass' article fall apart one after the other. Peter Sarsgaard's sustained aggression and Hayden Christensen's intense defiance make this scene a must watch. I must have watched the movie a couple of times for this scene alone.

So there you go my friends an excellent movie which should make your collection (Rated Must Watch!). It has a great script, engaging screenplay, splendid performances and also an inspiring message about integrity and character. Don't miss It!

Until Next Time.

Your Movie Buff,
J.J. Chaitanya

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