"Scoop" is a dramatized feature depicting the BBC's Newsnight team securing a revealing 2019 interview with Prince Andrew about his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Despite its focus on a journalistic coup, the film's title is remarkably generic, adding to the confusion with existing films of the same name, including a 2006 Woody Allen film and a 1987 adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's satirical novel.
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| Rufus Sewell and Gillian Anderson in 'Scoop' PETER MOUNTAIN/NETFLIX |
However, this latest "Scoop" lacks the sharp wit and intelligence of Waugh's work. While it effectively retells the events leading up to the royal interview conducted by Newsnight anchor Emily Maitlis (portrayed by Gillian Anderson), much of the film is dedicated to reenacting this interview. Unfortunately, it fails to significantly enhance our understanding of the individuals involved or broader themes like journalism, privilege, and sexual exploitation.
In an unusual twist, "Scoop" feels like another instance of Netflix delving into the British royal family's controversial history, especially since "The Crown" has reached its limit in terms of present-day events.
At its best, "Scoop" provides some context for viewers interested in watching the full Newsnight interview, which remains easily accessible online and is more compellingly presented than this film by director Philip Martin, adapted from Newsnight booker Sam McAlister's memoir by Peter Moffat and Geoff Bussetil.
At its lowest, "Scoop" can be seen as a self-congratulatory victory lap over the tarnished reputation of another fallen figure, reminiscent of "Bombshell," which focused on the downfall of Fox News' Roger Ailes. While this approach has its merits, the film may overestimate its role in truth-telling and journalistic integrity, instead serving as a showcase for impressive makeup work that transforms actors into famous personalities.
Kudos are deserved for Kirstin Chalmers' hair and makeup design, particularly for the convincing transformations of Gillian Anderson into Emily Maitlis and Rufus Sewell into Prince Andrew. However, once you notice how much Sewell's portrayal resembles former Vice President Mike Pence, especially during the pivotal interview scene, it's hard to unsee.
The film's main character is actually booker Sam McAlister, portrayed by Billie Piper, whose role involves securing interviews for Newsnight. Interestingly, the film omits that the real McAlister, also an executive producer on the film, was initially a barrister. This omission may be due to the film's portrayal of McAlister as a bold, working-class individual with a tabloid sensibility, somewhat out of place in the more traditional BBC newsroom, where she is viewed by colleagues as "too Daily Mail."
In "Scoop," it's McAlister who convinces Prince Andrew's aide, Amanda Thirsk (played by Keeley Hawes), to consider granting Newsnight an exclusive interview with no "red lines," meaning no topics off-limits.
Prince Andrew, Thirsk, and his advisors are acutely aware that Andrew's close association with Epstein and Maxwell will not be easily overlooked, especially given photographs showing Andrew with Epstein in 2010, two years after Epstein's conviction and imprisonment for crimes including pandering and solicitation.
Following Epstein's re-arrest in 2019 and renewed scrutiny of the royal connection, particularly the infamous photograph featuring Andrew, a 17-year-old trafficking victim named Virginia Giuffre, and Maxwell at Maxwell's London residence, Andrew and his team see an opportunity to reshape the narrative. They are convinced that Andrew's charm, often referred to as the "Queen's favorite," will win over even the formidable interviewer Maitlis.
In "Scoop," Thirsk emerges as one of the most tragic characters, portrayed as a well-meaning woman navigating a predominantly male-dominated world. Similar to Maitlis, McAlister, and Newsnight's chief editor Esme Wren, Thirsk appears to be suffering from a version of Stockholm Syndrome tailored for employees, having become deeply entrenched in the perspectives of Andrew, other royals, and their entourage.
After the interview concludes, Thirsk, much like Andrew himself, initially believes that everything went smoothly. However, her perception quickly changes when the broadcast of the interview triggers a wave of ridicule on social media, depicted in a triumphalist montage.
The film is edited to a tight 102 minutes, presenting the story in a digestible manner. However, this streamlined approach may lead viewers to ponder about any potentially omitted parts, whether during the script development or in post-production.
The inclusion of Fran Unsworth's speech about impending job cuts adds an intriguing layer to the 2019 narrative in "Scoop." It highlights the challenges faced by a prestigious news organization like the BBC in a rapidly evolving media landscape, where the demand for commercial success often conflicts with the traditional values of public service broadcasting.
The script also hints at a debate within the newsroom about editorial priorities, with McAlister advocating for more sensational stories about royals and celebrities, while others prioritize coverage of serious issues like Brexit. This subplot underscores the tension between entertainment and information in news programming, a debate that continues to be relevant in media discourse.
The casting choices in the film also add an interesting dimension. Billie Piper's own background as a former teen pop star turned tabloid target adds a meta-textual layer to her portrayal of McAlister, a character dealing with similar issues of public scrutiny and media attention. Piper's previous roles, such as playing a tabloid editor and a celebrity dealing with press intrusion, further reflect her familiarity with these themes and add depth to her performance.
Full credits:
Production companies: Netflix, Lighthouse Film and Television, Voltage TV
Distribution: Netflix
Cast: Gillian Anderson, Rufus Sewell, Billie Piper, Keeley Hawes, Romola Garai, Aoife Hinds, Gavin Spokes, Richard Goulding, Amanda Redman, Zach Colton, Connor Swindells, Lia Williams, Alex Waldmann, Tim Bentick, Jordan Kouame, Colin Wells
Director: Philip Martin
Screenwriters: Peter Moffat, Geoff Bussetil, based on the book Scoops by Sam McAlister
Producers: Radford Neville, Hilary Salmon
Executive producers: Sam McAlister, Sanjay Singhal
Director of photography: Nanu Segal
Production designer: Stephane Collonge
Costume designer: Matthew Price
Music: Anne Nikitin, Hannah Peel
Editor: Kristina Hetherington
Sound designer: Paul Carter
Casting: Nina Gold, Martin Ware
Runtime: 1 hour 42 minutes
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