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- What Is The Paper About?
- Michael Keaton’s Pitch-Perfect Performance & Supporting Cast
- How The Paper Remains Topical Today
As a devoted Michael Keaton fan, I’m thrilled to announce that the iconic actor is set to grace our screens once again with the much-anticipated return of “Beetlejuice” in September 2024. In the meantime, I strongly suggest taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting one of Keaton’s most underrated comedies from the ’90s – “The Paper.”
Keaton portrays Henry Hackett, an editor for a tabloid newspaper, who finds himself in a moral dilemma when tackling a sensational news item and pondering over the prospect of switching to a competing publication. Although Keaton is well-known for his depiction of real-life Boston Globe editor Walter Robinson in the Oscar-winning “Spotlight,” released two decades later, “The Paper” serves as an overlooked demonstration of Keaton’s remarkable ability to blend humor and drama seamlessly within a single role.
What Is The Paper About?
In a nostalgic twist of events, “The Paper” is a hilarious and witty comedy with a pointed satire from the skilled hands of director Ron Howard, based on a screenplay by David and Stephen Koepp. The narrative unfolds in the chaotic setting of New York City within the span of an exhilarating 24 hours.
Henry is torn between accepting a new job with improved compensation and reduced hours at the New York Sentinel, and staying at The Sun to investigate an unsettling crime case. This story revolves around two African American teenagers from Brooklyn who have been unfairly detained for the murder of a white man in a hate-fueled incident. When Henry notices a discrepancy during his police scanner broadcast, he senses that the reported facts are incomplete and becomes determined to expose the truth and secure the release of the wrongfully accused young men.
The subplot adds depth and relevance to the movie, making it a compelling and current story. Meanwhile, the authentic newsroom banter and clever exchanges among the veteran Hollywood actors elevate the film to hilarious heights. With quick-witted dialogue, original jokes, sharp quips, and biting zingers, the character interactions have a lively, theatrical feel and a classic screwball comedy vibe that’s irresistible. Masterful director Ron Howard expertly portrays the chaotic atmosphere of a bustling newsroom, where private gossip frequently intertwines with public tabloid tales, demonstrating that in such settings, no information is off-limits or untouchable.
Michael Keaton’s Pitch-Perfect Performance & Supporting Cast
In a perfectly suited part showcasing Keaton’s witty banter and fidgety demeanor, he shines as Henry Hackett – a man grappling with ethical dilemmas at both work and home. Caught between accepting a lucrative new position to support his newborn child or staying true to The Sun and uncovering the truth behind two suspected murders, Keaton elicits genuine empathy from viewers as they experience Henry’s moral quandary firsthand. With sincere emotion and impeccable comedic timing in tandem with the ensemble cast, Keaton skillfully balances heartfelt depth and side-splitting humor, leaving audiences captivated by his raw candor and signature quirks – intensified through exaggerated physical mannerisms and priceless facial expressions.
As a fan, I’d put it this way: When a high tide raises every boat, Keaton’s exceptional performance in “The Paper” is buoyed up even higher thanks to its impressive ensemble cast. Tomei, fresh from her Oscar victory for “My Cousin Vinny,” brings vibrancy as Markie Postelwait. Duvall delivers the necessary roughness as Bernice White, the chief editor of The Sun, whose prostate cancer significantly influences Henry’s final decision. Close leaves an indelible mark with her intimidating portrayal of Alicia Clark, who poses a threat to the paper with drastic cuts and censorship. Randy Quaid, Jason Alexander, Catherine O’Hara, Spalding Gray, and Jason Robards all infuse their characters with unique quirks, culminating in a collective output that surpasses individual parts.
Despite being surrounded by impressive acting talents, “The Paper” is where Mickey Keaton truly shines. The movie’s narrative revolves around an ensemble cast, but it’s Henry’s ethical dilemma that resonates with audiences, tapping into the core challenges of running a tabloid. With profits and change as consistent backdrops, Henry must determine his priorities for himself and his loved ones. Keaton effectively elicits both laughter and empathy from viewers, distinguishing him among the talented cast.
How The Paper Remains Topical Today
Despite achieving significant critical and financial success when it came out in 1994, “The Paper” – featuring Michael Keaton’s comedy performance – is surprisingly underappreciated. This film boasts an impressive 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 70 Metascore from Metacritic in 2024. Additionally, it earned over $48 million at the box office against a production budget of just $6 million (according to Box Office Mojo), resulting in a substantial profit. Nevertheless, “The Paper” only managed to rank as the 40th highest-grossing film of 1994, lagging behind blockbusters such as “The Lion King,” “Forrest Gump,” “True Lies,” “Speed,” and “The Flintstones.”
Despite the surge in ticket sales that usually comes with end-of-year award nominations, The Paper managed to secure just one recognition. Randy Newman’s “Make Up Your Mind” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song but ultimately lost out to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King. Given the exceptional acting, thought-provoking script, and efficient direction displayed in The Paper, its lack of awards serves as a testament to its underappreciated status.
Despite being overlooked when it first came out, The Paper is more relevant now than ever. The film begins with a humorous scene featuring Donald Trump and Madonna, bringing to mind Trump’s past in New York. However, the primary reason for the movie’s contemporary significance lies in its exploration of racial inequality and the biased treatment of young Black men by law enforcement officers – an issue that has gained renewed attention in the last 30 years since the film’s premiere.
In the context before Black Lives Matter gained prominence as a social justice movement against police brutality resulting in the deaths of George Floyd and others, “The Paper” serves as a poignant reminder of both the progress and the remaining distance we must travel to secure safety for African Americans. Author Henry Hackett’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice in “The Paper” never wavers, even if it means releasing the wrongly accused. Beneath its lighthearted exterior as a newsroom comedy, “The Paper” carries more depth than one might initially assume.
The Paper is available to stream now on Netflix.
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2024-07-14 05:01