The Bourne Ultimatum and Journalism
The hubby and I watched "The Bourne Ultimatum" last night, and it reminded me of discussions swirling in journalism/newsroom/SPJ circles.
We're buffs who love to discuss over dinner a film's every detail. For years, without fail, my husband always has gotten the conversation rolling with one simple question: "Why did they make that movie?"
I'm no spoiler, so I won't recount too much here, but the final(?) installment of the series about a young black-ops CIA agent included themes journalists typically love to contemplate:
- The reporter-source relationship. A reporter for The Guardian in London gets close, oh-so-close, to blowing the lid off a controversial CIA program. He's courageous and diligent. And even in the midst of what is clear and present danger, he has the presence of mind to protect his source's identity.
- Blind loyalty. Whether it's to a government, to any other institution (such as, oh, say, a newsroom, news organization, news company or journalism-advocacy organization) or even to an individual, blind loyalty is always dangerous. This movie is a potent reminder of the need to ask questions, to challenge authority and "group think," to speak up and act when others don't, to reject what is politically convenient/popular/savvy for what is right. And yet there's a balance to be struck between such protest and respect for authority -- a very important concept with which journalists often struggle. It is also possible to challenge with respect -- another approach to debate often lost these days. The movie touches on these delicate, but crucial, balances.
- Privacy. We don't have nearly as much as we'd like to think.
- Government secrecy. How far will our elected officials go? How much will they try to hide under the guise of "national security?"Real life already tells us pretty darned far and pretty darned much -- but The Bourne Ultimatum is a thrilling (OK, even fun) reminder of that.
Don't trust my recommendation that this film is worth dropping $50 for a ticket, tiny bag of popcorn and sippy-cup-sized soda. See the review from my all-time favorite film critic.
I'm also paging SPJ member and Region 10 Director Tom Henderson! He has a great list of movies every journalist should check out. Here's to hoping he posts it here.