Scoop feels like it thinks its more interesting than it is. It is about the true story of a British new agency getting Prince Andrew to sit down for an interview as his connections to sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein had become public information. The film is set up as a sort of Spotlight-esque expose triumphing journalism. But in the end it all feels so anticlimactic no matter how hard the film tries to make its case for these journalists it is trumpeting. Yes they deserve recognition for their work which is good. But in the end what was it all worth?
Today we look back and see that one of the most privileged white men in the world appears to have escaped any real accountability for allegedly raping underage girls. The film really tries to highlight that he had his royal titles stripped and is removed from doing official duties. Okay. So he's still a millionaire, doesn't have to do any work, and just isn't called "your royal highness" any longer? I'm sorry if I don't see how monumental this is. Perhaps yes there is an argument to say that without the diligence of the press in these circumstances he wouldn't even face those repercussions. I'm just not sure that is the winning point the film thinks it is.
The film is flashy and slick and creates a lot of tension a la Frost/Nixon. This is good film making except for the fact that once we get to the interview and the prince doesn't actually say anything that revelatory, he just looks like a fool, it really drives home the idea that there isn't much here. The supposed "scoop" is less of one and more of just due diligence.
The film can certainly be watched for its historical relevance and how it brings more attention to just how many of Epstein's "friends" have gotten away with some of the worst crimes ever. But as a film itself it is just sort of a let down featuring a strong cast.
Scoop
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Billie Piper, Rufus Sewell, Keeley Hawes, Conor Swindells
Director: Philip Martin
Writer: Peter Moffat
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