After watching Steven Spielberg's latest sci-fi thriller, Disclosure Day, there's one movie you need to revisit: The Post. This 2017 film, starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, is a powerful exploration of the importance of truth and the press, and it shares a strong thematic connection with Spielberg's latest work.
The Power of Truth and the Press
Disclosure Day delves into the ethical dilemma of disclosing classified information about extraterrestrial life. The film's tension revolves around the question of whether the truth about aliens should be revealed, and the potential consequences of such a revelation. This theme is further emphasized in The Post, which focuses on the Pentagon Papers and the journalists' struggle to publish sensitive government documents.
In Disclosure Day, the protagonists are not hesitant to betray their extragovernmental agency or hesitate to go public with their findings. Instead, the film highlights the relentless optimism and earnestness that Spielberg, now a more cynical filmmaker, still embodies. This contrast between the two films is intriguing, as it showcases Spielberg's evolution as a director while maintaining his commitment to important themes.
Thematic Connection
The Post is a movie about the fundamental right to access information and the moral obligation to publish it. It arrived at a significant point in Spielberg's career, following the box office disaster of The BFG and the success of Lincoln and Bridge of Spies. The film's release during Trump's first term added a layer of poignancy, as it addressed the ongoing war on journalism and truth. The line, 'The only way to assert the right to publish is to publish,' from Tom Hanks' character, Ben Bradlee, encapsulates the movie's message.
In contrast, Disclosure Day focuses on the right to know the truth and the moral obligation to publish it, without delving into the aftermath of the revelation. It raises questions about the power of the press and the impact of information on society, themes that are central to both films.
A Must-Watch Pair
While Disclosure Day is an exciting sci-fi thriller, it is the thematic depth and exploration of truth and the press in The Post that make it a must-watch companion. Spielberg's ability to weave these themes into a compelling narrative is a testament to his skill as a filmmaker. Both films showcase his evolution, from the optimistic and earnest director of the 1980s to the more cynical yet still passionate filmmaker of today.
In my opinion, watching The Post after Disclosure Day provides a unique perspective on the power of storytelling and the importance of truth in cinema. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound messages come from the most unexpected places.
