Nothing But The Truth (2008)

When a newspaper reporter (Kate Beckinsale) refuses to name the source of her article which outed a CIA agent (Vera Farmiga), she is sent to jail. But it doesn't end there as the consequences of the article and the writer's incarceration will have far reaching and tragic results. While "inspired" by the real life story of writer Judith Miller's outing of Valerie Plame, this is in no way a true story. The writer/director Rod Lurie (THE CONTENDER) merely uses the incident as a set up for a highly fictionalized look at integrity, moral principles, government pressure and questionable journalistic tactics. Lurie's screenplay is tight and lean and quite good but he is failed by Lurie the director whose direction is flabby and meandering. It's a pity because there's lots of good stuff here but without the fat being trimmed, the film eventually has the feel of a ripped from the headlines exploitation cable movie. With the exception of David Schwimmer as Beckinsale's husband, the acting is pretty decent and in the case of Vera Farmiga, more than decent. This wonderful actress inhabits her character so thoroughly you can feel every emotional pore. The ending is a real kicker! With Matt Dillon, Angela Bassett, Alan Alda, Norah Wyle and Courtney B. Vance.