3 Movies Every Journalism Major Can Appreciate | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

3 Movies Every Journalism Major Can Appreciate

15
3 Movies Every Journalism Major Can Appreciate
OC Book Shoppe

The world of journalism isn't as mundane as some may perceive it. In fact, it serves as a thrilling setting for some of the most incredible movies of all time. And, yes, there is such a thing as a journalistic thriller. As an undergraduate journalism major, I have been exposed to some really cool movies involving the world of writers, publications and the like -- all while being lectured about verification, accuracy, research, interviewing, deadlines, yada, yada, yada.

If you're a journalism student, not only can you pick from a collection of news drivers to write a fair article with adequate research like it's your job (because it might be), but you can also definitely appreciate the elements in these movies. Sure, there are definitely more than just three fantastic movies involving reporters and writers, but these are three of my all-time favorite movies that I will remember forever and ever!

1. "Capote" (2005).

I was introduced to the amazing writer, Truman Capote, through this film. Capote also wrote "Breakfast at Tiffany's," in case you were interested. The film is centered around a robbery turned murder inflicted upon a family in Kansas. Truman Capote, who is portrayed as a greedy vulture with a nose for a great story, courts the murderers into friendship to gather information for a book that would be a national phenomenon. The discoveries Capote makes at the end, however, are quite chilling.

This is probably my favorite film because of the way Capote was portrayed by means of a secret that only he and the audience are aware of. Many might find the outcome to be just simply sad, however, sad is just that -- too simple. The extent to which Capote went to gather details for his page-turner was remarkable -- so much so that he was literally sitting in the same cell as the murderers for his research! Yes, it is the instinct of a great reporter to do whatever it takes to get the relevant and necessary information for a story, but Capote's vicious intent made me see the murderers as the innocents in this film. Crazy, right? It just goes to show what can happen when you get a little too close to your sources.

2. "Shattered Glass" (2003).

This film follows the story of Stephen Glass, an outgoing and friendly writer who actually completely fabricates a news story to a shocking extent! This film brought up so many questions as surprising revelations were made. Some big elements of journalism portrayed in the film are the use of sources, fact checking and of course something no journalist should ever do for a story: lie.

You don't have to be a well-seasoned writer for the nation's richest publication to know that journalists have an obligation to the truth, not what their imaginations want to be true. Fact checking should be a thorough process to ensure that writers are slinging around the best available version of the truth and not what they think people want to hear. The interesting notion of this movie is the idea that fabricating a story isn't as easy as writing lies.

Stephen Glass attempted to cover his tracks by pulling out all the stops: showing a fake business card with the contact information of his supposed sources, getting his brother to pose as a source -- should I stop giving away the dramatic details? Again, this is what I call a journalistic thriller because you're engaged throughout the entire movie and intrigued by Stephen's character and motives. Plus, we all really want to see how he gets nailed at the end (oops, spoiler alert!)

3. "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006).

Welcome to the fast-paced world of fashion magazines, specifically Runway magazine. Andy is a journalism major fresh out of college looking for a way to really get her foot in the door (and pay the rent). She finds herself as the second assistant to ruthless editor in chief, Miranda Priestly. Andy, at first, struggled to keep up with the lifestyle and demands of the fashion magazine world, but it would seem that she must've done something right.

It's no secret that the world of publication is fast-paced and extremely dynamic. There will always be something to do and something to improve. Andy, for the most part, found herself just trying to survive. Another aspect of this movie is the theme that you should seek a niche you're comfortable with; just because "a million girls would die for your job" doesn't mean you necessarily would. Wear your own shoes -- not the ones your editor gives you.

The issues presented here are definitely light compared to those in "Shattered Glass" and "Capote," but this is still an interesting tale of a journalism graduate. This movie reassures those who want to go into magazine journalism that there will rarely be a dull moment in store for you! Your New York City headquarters will (probably) literally be your home, the buzz around the office will be your music and the sound of stilettos against the floors will be your metronome.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

14579
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2918
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1755
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments