Spotlight Movie Reaction
Introduction
‘Spotlight’ charmingly manages the vivid information of its fact-dependent storyline while fighting the urge to idolize its protagonists. This captures the attention of the viewers and brings to life the real-life situations. The movie narrates the thrilling true story of an award winning investigation which revealed a crisis in one of the world most trusted entity. When a team of journalists embark on an investigation to unveil a ten year old cover up at Boston’s governmental institutions, the world was shocked and brought to its knees (Atiyas, & Thoyibi, 2018). This movie tells the story in an old fashion way hence revealing not only usual comparisons but devotes to capturing the struggles reporters go through on a daily basis.
The Theme of Journalism
Based on the ‘Spotlight’ movie, the main work of a journalist is collect information, research, inscribe, direct, proofread and file new stories and articles. Their work can be then be used in television and other media outlets. For instance, in ‘Spotlight’ Robby oversees the activities of a team of a reporters (Barnes, 2015). All the reporters in the movie are local residents and they are all members of the Catholic Church. When Marty Barton arrives, he is welcomed into the town as a newcomer. When Barton meets Robby, he suggest a story that would damage the image of the Catholic Church. Robby easily convinces Barton to abandon the story and focus more on other stories relevant to the newspaper company. In simpler terms, a journalist should pursue the truth no matter what.
Advocacy and Justice within the Court System
Journalists investigate issues which inform on the plight of children. Telling the world the stories of children helps children get help from different institutions. The movie informs on milestone Supreme Court cases as a confirmation of the professional value of journalism within a self-governing community (Barnes, 2015). The reporters are able to follow up on the systematic child abuse by priests and then stand against the abuse. This act of courage helps to inform the community on child protection regulations. At the end of the day, the film gives the audience a strong argument on safeguarding the voice of reason and press liberty. In addition, the journalists can find solutions to any challenges the child face on a daily basis. When the Boston investigation unveils the extensive child abuse in catholic institutions. Even though child abuse was for a long time a secret, journalists bring it to light and expose the perpetrators of the heinous crime. The church is supposed to protect the weak, journalists rose to the occasion when they revealed the crime.
Role of Research and Highlighting Evil in the Society
The role of research in advocacy according to ‘Spotlight’ movie is the team’s investigation made child abuse a national issue forcing justice systems to act. The journalists’ articles and the victims’ testimonies facilitated the much awaited justice in the corridors of power. This movie was a reminder of the importance of liberty and the ability of journalists to go out of their way to fight powerful institutions without any fear or favor (Scott, 2016). Later, a $3 billion settlement was reached and other survivors are still awaiting justice from the law courts.
Elements of the Movie
One of the most important element in the movie is the reliance of a real-life story. The producers ensured that the chronological flow of the movie heavily relied on ideal real-life patterns and maintained a steady style of narrating the story. Just like real-life, the protagonists were not the center of attention and their professional role was highlighted more than any other aspect of the movie. While the audience might have noticed the dramatic, the movie won an award under the best picture category (Atiyas, & Thoyibi, 2018). Also, the film chronicles the struggles journalists go through on a daily basis while working on various pieces. The movie opens up with a prologue set within a law enforcement surrounding. In the first scene a mother is convinced not to file a law suit against a priest. A vital aspect noted in the movie is corruption and the inability to act without coercion. Besides, journalists make time to follow up and make tough decisions which open up to inner settings of the crime and other factors such as increasing the voice of the prejudiced. Further, the movie consistently tries to entertain and educate the audience hence they subtly bring to the table to enlighten on the work ethic and restrained needed to carry out a highly insensitive story.
In summary, the movie only sets the mood for justice. Journalists who cover intensive and sensitive stories tend to be targets of criticism. Yet, they go out of their way to do all the work in order to bring to light injustice and hidden systematic failure in the justice system. The movie exposes child abuse within the Catholic Church. These crimes went unreported for a long time and the journalists unveil a cover up and patterns of stifling justice hence ending up bringing justice to the people.
References
Atiyas, J. N., & Thoyibi, M. (2018). Sexual Abuse in Catholic Church in Spotlight Movie (2015) Directed By Tom Mc Carthy: A Reception Theory (Doctoral dissertation, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta). http://eprints.ums.ac.id/62181/1/ARTICLE%20PUBLICATION.pdf
Barnes.H., (2015) Spotlight: the reporters who uncovered Boston's Catholic child abuse scandal. Guardian News & Media Limited https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jan/13/spotlight-reporters-uncovered-catholic-child-abuse-boston-globe
Scott A.o., (2016) Review: In ‘Spotlight,’ The Boston Globe Digs Up The Catholic Church’s Dirt https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jan/13/spotlight-reporters-uncovered-catholic-child-abuse-boston-globe
