While American University is dominated by its stellar international studies and political science programs, Journalism, Communication and related programs still make up nearly 9 percent of the student body.
A small but mighty group, student journalists have the unique power to share important stories. The films below represent the stories, both fictitious and true, that illustrate the value of journalists.
Almost Famous (2000)
Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical film follows William Miller (Patrick Fugit), an aspiring music journalist, who gets a lucky offer from Rolling Stone to cover up-and-coming rock band Stillwater.
Set in the early 1970s, the film explores what it means to be a journalist and the inherent distaste many artists and musicians have toward the press. Through earnest conversations and adventures on the road, Miller manages to get exclusive access to the inner workings of the band and its members.
Crowe, like Miller, got an offer from Rolling Stone to follow and interview The Allman Brothers Band on the road when he was 16. The infusion of real-life experience with fictitious ‘70s fun creates a compelling story for journalists, especially those who want to go into the field of music.
“Almost Famous” is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
Spotlight (2013)
This best picture winner, starring Michael Keaton and Rachel McAdams, follows the group of Boston Globe investigative journalists who investigated sex crimes linked to the Catholic church.
The film, while heavy and disturbing in nature, is an incredibly gripping and fascinating watch that shows the importance of investigative journalism.
Over the course of the movie, the team uncovers the names of 87 priests who were connected to the sexual abuse of minors. The incredible accuracy of “Spotlight” to the real events makes the film all the more powerful.
“Spotlight” is available to stream on Hulu.
The French Dispatch (2021)
The second most recent output from the ever-styled auteur Wes Anderson follows the stories of four different journalists who work out of Paris at the French Dispatch. The cast, featuring most of the usual Anderson crew, blends wonder and artistic expression told through the director’s unique style.
Like most of his films, there is a dichotomy of vibrant colors and characters paired with philosophical and heavy themes. In short, “The French Dispatch” is a love letter to journalism as well as a celebration of art, creativity and the power of critical thinking. And who doesn’t want to see Owen Wilson as a bike-riding, beret-wearing reporter?
“The French Dispatch” is available to stream on Hulu.
Civil War (2024)
Alex Garland’s newest film, while divisive, to say the least, is an incredible showcase of what it is to be a photojournalist in the modern world. The film takes place in an alternate modern reality where the U.S. has fallen into a civil war.
The movie follows Lee (Kirsten Dunst), a photojournalist, and Joel (Wagner Moura), a reporter, as they travel from New York City to D.C. to interview the president (Nick Offerman).
While covering a demonstration in Manhattan, Lee stumbles upon the amateur photographer Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) who ends up joining Lee and Joel on their journey down to D.C.
The role of a photojournalist is to objectively capture the story with mere seconds to figure out what shot to make. Especially in high-risk places for the press, this “game-time” decision making is much more important. At the very least, for those passionate about photography, I think this is a much-watch film that pays homage to the influential photojournalists who have captured the uncapturable.
“Civil War” is available to stream on Max.
Zodiac (2007)
“Zodiac” is yet another crime thriller from the acclaimed director David Fincher. The film follows the journalists and detectives investigating the “Zodiac Killer” in the late ‘60s.
Big names like Mark Ruffalo, Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr. make up the cast and add the needed gravity to these real-life characters. Gyllenhaal, who plays political cartoonist turned journalist Robert Graysmith, shines in his role.
This tense and mood-focused thriller is a great true story that showcases the importance and impact of journalists.
“Zodiac” is available to stream on Pluto TV.
Philomena (2013)
While Steve Coogan may be more known for his role as the miniature Roman soldier in “Night at the Museum,” he shines as the witty English journalist in “Philomena.” The titular character is played by the ever-talented Judi Dench.
The film follows Coogan and Dench, who make a unique and charming pair, as they try to discover Philomena’s past. “Philomena” explores the dark secrets of the Catholic church and highlights the humanism required by journalists, as well as how connection is so important to tell full and complete powerful stories.
“Philomena” is available to stream on Tubi.
Like cinema, journalism is about telling stories — stories that matter. These films showcase the power of journalists and filmmakers, who wield power able to change lives.
This article was edited by Alfie Pritchard, Marina Zaczkiewicz, Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Olivia Citarella, Emma Brown and Ella Rousseau.
