The Report

The Report is a 2019 dramatic thriller directed and written by Scott Z. Burns. The film stars the talented Adam Driver in the lead role, with notable cast members including Annette Bening and Jon Hamm.

Set against the backdrop of post-9/11 United States, The Report is a deep and meaningful exploration of the state's abuse of power and undemocratic practices concealed as necessary wartime steps. Inspired by true events, Adam Driver delivers a compelling performance as Daniel Jones, a determined senate staffer whose principle is to serve his country, not a political party.

The story unfolds as Jones is commissioned by senator Dianne Feinstein, skillfully portrayed by Annette Bening, to head an internal investigation into the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) interrogation methods post 9/11. The focus is on the controversial Detention and Interrogation Program, which was infamous for its 'Enhanced Interrogation Techniques' – a euphemism widely accepted as condoning acts of torture.

As the investigation progresses, The Report uncovers shocking details about the extent to which the state was willing to push ethical boundaries and bypass legal frameworks in an era clouded by fear and a hunger for justice. Jones is met with increasing resistance and suppression as he carries on his relentless pursuit of truth and accountability.

The film raises an important ethical question regarding the morality of such an inhumane program and whether it's justified in times of perceived imminent danger and fear. It uses this dramatic tension to place us firmly in Jones's shoes.

Driver's earnest performance of Jones is laudable. He captures the essence of a character unyieldingly persevering to bring the truth to light in a tangible and awe-inducing manner. He portrays a man who never allows oppressions and challenges to pull him away from his stand, defining how power, when guided by moral conscience, can address and rectify the most corrupt systems. He proves to be a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power and urgency of upholding democracy, even when it's inconvenient or fiercely opposed.

Annette Bening gracefully inhabits the character of Senator Dianne Feinstein. Her nuances and subtlety create an effect that enhances the political atmosphere of the film. The character's composed demeanor and cautious optimism amplify the gravity of the issues being tackled even further.

Jon Hamm also deserves special mention as the authoritative and somewhat dismissive Denis McDonough, White House Chief of Staff. His character, who largely personifies the opposition and hurdles encountered by Jones, adds a lithe and menacing noteworthiness to an already powerful ensemble cast.

The director, Scott Z. Burns, deserves accolades for executing this true incident-based narrative with such precision, honesty, and finesse. He manages to balance the film's heavy political themes effectively, without compromising the unfolding narrative's potency or getting buried under convoluted jargon.

One of The Report’s most admirable elements is its ability to transcend political party lines and concentrate on the more significant issue at hand - the ethical considerations of how a nation conducts itself in times of war and terror. It declassifies some of the darkest chapters in American history in a way that resonates with the audience long after the end credits roll.

Overall, The Report is an intense, thought-provoking drama that studies the duality of state power under exceptional circumstances. Supported by robust performances and good direction, it dissects the heartbreaking magnitude of the CIA's brutal "enhanced" techniques and the need for accountability with an unsparing yet sensitive approach, shedding light on uncomfortable truths about the consequences when those in power are allowed to recklessly define their limits.