The Report (2019)

In 2005, U.S. State Senator Dianne Feinstein (Annette Bening) is disturbed by reports that the CIA destroyed almost 100 video tapes of interrogations on suspected terrorists in the years following 9/11 on the order of CIA director Jose Rodriguez (Carlos Gomez) and orders a staff member (Adam Driver) to investigate and provide a detailed account. What follows is a shocking and blatant misuse of power, deceit, corruption and crimes against humanity. Directed by Scott Z. Burns in a semi-documentary style, this is a compelling piece of film. It may not be Art or break new ground in cinema but stories like this need to be told and when done as skillfully as THE REPORT is, it's riveting. Be forewarned that the images of torture are graphic and horrifying to watch. I can't imagine any humane person who won't be outraged by what is seen here. Torture doesn't provide the truth, it provides confession which is not the same thing. Who wouldn't confess to anything to stop the torture and pain? The performances are good with Bening giving a strong award worthy performance. With Jon Hamm, Tim Blake Nelson, Ted Levine, Michael C. Hall, Matthew Rhys, Maura Tierney and Douglas Hodge, who unfortunately overdoes the sadistic psychologist as if he were playing Simon Legree.