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Dr. Ink offers advice and insights on a range of journalism questions. Sometimes, the answers are serious, sometimes humorous, but always credible.

 

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Send a letter to Dr. Ink

November 26, 2001

The Year of Writing Frivolously

Dear Dr. Ink:

What is your favorite movie about journalism?

Answer:

When Dr. Ink received this question, he was at first perplexed. So many recent movies depict reporters as bloodsucking careerists that Doc had to rummage through his memory banks to find something ennobling. His pick is the 1982 Australian film, "The Year of Living Dangerously."

Director Peter Weir creates a moody and suspenseful story about a young Australian journalist (Mel Gibson) on his first international assignment, covering political unrest in Indonesia. Gibson's earnest young reporter persists despite distractions afforded by Sigourney Weaver and a dispirited and cynical corps of foreign correspondents. The movie is stolen by the gnomish Linda Hunt, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of a male photographer who becomes Gibson's moral compass. The movie seems timely, as many journalists now venture toward Southern Asia, carrying with them a strange mixture of physical courage and personal ambition.

Dr. Ink would be very interested in nominees for Best or Favorite Movie About Journalism. Add yours, with a capsule review, to the list.

Having trouble picking a favorite? David Shedden, Poynter librarian, has compiled a list of movies about journalism from our shelves. These titles might jog your memory:

Add your nominees.