Page One: Inside the New York Times

 

Story:

Documentarian Andrew Rossi goes inside the New York Times to examine how the venerable paper and its reporters are responding to the massive changes in how news is gathered, analyzed and dispersed. (NetFlix)

Review:

If there are two things I love its journalism and looking at how the news is covered.  I know that sounds weird, but there is something truly awe inspiring about getting a backstage pass to how a news organization works.  So you won’t be shocked to know Andrew Rossi’s documentary Page One: Inside the New York Times became a personal treasure.

Ok, perhaps “treasure” is a bit over exaggerated, but Rossi deserves credit for a film that follows in the same behind-the-scenes accomplishments of Control Room and The War Room.  All three should be well respected for their ability to portray chaotic environments in a cinema verite style that reveals more than you’d expect. That doesn’t mean it’s not without bias.  Those antagonistic to the New York Times will not enjoy this documentary. While it takes a neutral tone, the point of view is from their reporters and editors, which skews the film in their favor.  Personally I’m fine with this as it’s a day-in-the-life piece, not an is-this-right-or-wrong piece.

The first thing you’ll notice about Page One is how busy it is.  Much like the other two films mentioned, there are numerous storylines and personalities (Though David Carr becomes the central- and most engaging- character) that come in and out of the camera’s focus.  For some, this will seem a bit chaotic and unlike what you are used to witnessing on screen.  To help appreciate this style, don’t look at this as a story where each sequence builds on the last but rather as a swirl of events that (when viewed together) reveal a full picture of the New York Times.

Alright, I’ve been saying the paper’s name as if the film is about the entire New York Times operation.  It isn’t.  Rossi’s documentary focuses on the newly founded “Media Desk” which was created to look at the changing landscape of news media – which is actually a more engaging premise. Rossi is lucky enough to be filming as major media stories occur: Wikileaks, major company mergers, The Tribune Company filing for bankruptcy, staff cuts and an end to combat operations in Iraq.  That’s a full plate of issues that dramatically change how the news is covered. So yes, there is a lot going on, but you better come prepared with some background knowledge as Rossi gives little to keep the uninformed up to speed.

There is an attempt to wrap up the film in a nice neat bow, but it falls a bit flat.  With so much going on, it’s clear there is no clean exit. However, this hiccup doesn’t really tarnish an expansive film.  Rossi is great about getting out of the way and letting the characters and the storylines drive his documentary.  Its old school cinema verite style suits the New York Times subject matter perfectly and offers a look into one of the most well respected news publications of our time.

Reviewed by Matthew Abshire for Documentary Film Online on January 23, 2012

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