Film analysis: spotlight

In hindsight, don’t think there could have been a better opening scene than the office retirement party that SpotLight opened with. This movie’s portrayal of what the media industry is like behind the scenes was decent, but I think the take home is the loyalty and dedication and trust the office member had for one another. SpotLight was an interdependent department of the publication and we learn this very early in the film. We learn from the onset and what set the tone for the remainder of the movie was that no one is safe from being accountable, not even a victim.

First there was the new boss coming on board and like most of us familiar with working in an office setting, usually there is much in the way of anxiety. You wonder if the new boss will recognize what has worked or not or completely overhaul the company’s rituals, culture and or roles. For example, when the SpotLight editor asked the new Editor in Chief whether there’d be any cuts in their first meeting. It’s definitely a fear and it’s on everyone’s mind. I thought it was commendable and rare to see how concerned and devoted he was to his team.

Secondly, I think that the moment in the movie that the reporter spoke up (more like shouted out) that he needed to get to the bottom of things and expressed how everything was weighing on him being so close to the story, you realize that this isn’t just about how a new boss, this is about a group that needs trust, needs loyalty to function. The editor, asked if he was finished because outbursts just aren’t a part of the office culture. Needless to say, it was definitely affective. It was what everyone was feeling. There were so many times I wished that we as employees could be as open without ramifications, however that is usually not the case if you’re not the boss. The victims had voices of their own, and it was the job of the reporters to hold them accountable to that responsibility. It’s tough to sit through if like me you’ve ever had to point a finger at your predator. Especially when the predator is someone of great power.

My final observation is that it seemed that there was no hope, it was determination and dedication that no one on the team let go of. It was inspiring and again rare. Media has changed so much because now ads are more political than ever and that’s what keeps the lights on. Coverage of ongoing stories that would eventually involve a verdict of sorts would be too risky these days. News travels so fast which means so does a company pulling their ad that’s in fear of their reputation being associated with said publication.

To conclude, the relationship between the new editor and subordinates was a huge dynamic in this film. Their ability to work effectively as a group, their honestly and holding one another accountable was inspiring. I hope to have demonstrated my understanding of the office dynamic and culture and hope that if there is a journalism, media - hopeful reading this, that they take the time to understand this film. In this film no one was safe from accountability, not even if they are seated in powerful positions or victims.