Key Takeaways:
– The 2017 film ‘The Post' was directed by Steven Spielberg in response to the political climate at the time.
– Spielberg felt a sense of urgency to bring this story to light and wrapped up the film in just seven months.
– Despite the hurried schedule, there was no stress on the set, according to actor Carrie Coon.
– ‘The Post', starring Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, is based on the real-life attempt to publish the Pentagon Papers in 1971.
When it comes to success in filmmaking, few can hold a candle to Steven Spielberg. His knack for telling compelling stories that connect with audiences is peerless. Spielberg, who has graced us with timeless classics like ‘Jaws', ‘Jurassic Park', and ‘Schindler's List', gave us yet another riveting revelation with the 2017 political thriller, ‘The Post'.
Unveiling the Story Urgently and Effectively
‘The Post' brings to life the struggle of journalists Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep) and Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) to publish the Pentagon Papers– classified documents revealing US government secrets about the Vietnam War. Despite facing possible social exile, investor flight, and President Nixon's retaliation, the journalists persisted.
In 2017, the script found its way into Spielberg's hands. Sensing its relevance to the ongoing political events, notably Donald Trump's first presidential campaign, Spielberg felt an urgent need to depict this story on the big screen.
Expressing his thoughts to The Guardian, Spielberg said, “The level of urgency to make the movie was because of the current climate of this administration, bombarding the press and labeling the truth as fake if it suited them. I deeply resented the hashtag ‘alternative facts', because I'm a believer in only one truth, which is the objective truth.”
Hence, Spielberg began principal photography on May 30, 2017, and wrapped things up in just seven months. Despite having less than a year to complete the film, Spielberg proved that nothing is impossible when you are determined to tell a relevant story.
No Tension, Just Dedication on Set
While you might assume a tight filming schedule could cause a tense atmosphere on set, that was not the case with ‘The Post'. Carrie Coon, who essayed the role of Meg Greenfield, shared with Cinema Blend that there was no rush during the filming process. The urgency was only felt during the preparation phase because of the limited time to research and prepare for her role.
Spielberg's vision for timely storytelling was pivotal for the swift creation of ‘The Post'. He has often said that he needs a “motivational purpose” to make a film. When he read ‘The Post' script, he knew it was not a project that could wait a few years; it needed to be told immediately.
Hollywood is indeed fortunate to have filmmakers like Spielberg, who do not shy away from taking risks to ensure truthful storytelling reaches the audience.
Final Thoughts
Spielberg's dedication to creating ‘The Post' echos a critical tenet in film-making – sharing essential stories without delay. The renowned director's ability to adapt to the surroundings, maintain a calm intensity on-set, and swiftly produce a remarkable film is truly a testament to his storytelling prowess. Despite working under constraints, Spielberg managed to craft a compelling narrative about the power of truth, making ‘The Post' a memorable addition to his illustrious repertoire.
