I watch it periodically. As Mr. Scott suggests, it is a perfect movie. Why are there so few others of this qualty and meaningfulness?
3
@Alan
I have watched it about 10 times. Very well crafted telling of an important story.
2
Saw it again after five years. And even though the story was totally familiar, even specific dialogue lines, the movie was just as taut and gripping as the first time.
The real-life issue though is more disgusting than it was back then. Despite so much exposure of hideous criminality, the Catholic church retains its death grip on the minds of so many people. How can so many of its apex practitioners be so complicit if the philosophy is supposed to make you more a moral human being.
5
@whaddoino
I have watched it several times, most recently last night, when my husband saw it fir the first time. Very compelling and expertly crafted.
4
@whaddoino "Apex" is the perfect word for the church's complicit practitioners, as "apex" is also a familiar descriptor for chief predators.
Such irony! Given the wisdom traditions in which they are trained, Catholic priests tend to understand far better than most of us the root causes of the intellectual and spiritual narrowness and laziness that have combined to create a nihilism capable of—and active in—the destruction of global civilization today.
Yet through an enormous perversion of this understanding, they feel privileged to indulge their most decadent and self-indulgent sexual impulses, impulses that only hasten the day when no one will any longer trust anyone, much less a Catholic priest.
This is symptomatic of the most melancholy facts of life that are shredding our sense of humanity today. Yet the tradition of stonewalling by the Catholic Church continues almost unimpeded. One revealing detail among a million: ‘Pope Emeritus’ Benedict XVI is presented in his Wikipedia.com article as a champion of cleansing the Church of priestly pedophiles. As is widely understood, he was no such thing. Rather, he facilitated the actions of abusive priests in their many thousands.
Obviously, the priesthood of the Catholic Church remains an almighty magnet for child abusers. What it really needs is the proclamation of a penitential period that will last for years. The chances of this happening? None. The abuse goes on, and Pope Francis’ approach is only to modify slightly the chemistry of the cosmetics that are applied to brighten the horrendous face of the Church’s abiding shadow.
Yet through an enormous perversion of this understanding, they feel privileged to indulge their most decadent and self-indulgent sexual impulses, impulses that only hasten the day when no one will any longer trust anyone, much less a Catholic priest.
This is symptomatic of the most melancholy facts of life that are shredding our sense of humanity today. Yet the tradition of stonewalling by the Catholic Church continues almost unimpeded. One revealing detail among a million: ‘Pope Emeritus’ Benedict XVI is presented in his Wikipedia.com article as a champion of cleansing the Church of priestly pedophiles. As is widely understood, he was no such thing. Rather, he facilitated the actions of abusive priests in their many thousands.
Obviously, the priesthood of the Catholic Church remains an almighty magnet for child abusers. What it really needs is the proclamation of a penitential period that will last for years. The chances of this happening? None. The abuse goes on, and Pope Francis’ approach is only to modify slightly the chemistry of the cosmetics that are applied to brighten the horrendous face of the Church’s abiding shadow.
9
Extremely accurate review of an extremely well made, well acted and important film.
11
The Boston Globe journalists are indeed heroes. The unsung hero in this entire story is Judge Constance Sweeney, a devout Roman Catholic. Cardinal Law sent his lawyer to Judge Sweeney to - in camera- which means without the opposing counsel present, which is basically an ethical violation by the attorney, to assure the judge in private that the Archdiocese of Boston had NO DOCUMENTS in its possession with regard child abuse by priests. Judge Sweeney mounted the bench and announced that the Church's attorney had assured her in private that the Cardinal maintained that the Archdiocese had no documents with regard child abuse by priests. Judge Sweeney stated that "I take the Cardinal at his word and hereby order that the Church immediately deliver all requested documents in its possession that address child abuse by priests to the attorney for the victims, and since I have been told there are no such documents, I expect none to be delivered." It took three trucks to deliver all of those non-existent documents to the attorneys for children abused by priests.
The Globe and NY Times are not noticing the warnings of Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, played by Stanley Tucci in the movie Spotlight, that the abuse of children by priest situation is NOW WORSE than it was before Judge Sweeney's ruling. This crime continues and until Bishops and Cardinals are put in jail, it will continue.
The Globe and NY Times are not noticing the warnings of Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, played by Stanley Tucci in the movie Spotlight, that the abuse of children by priest situation is NOW WORSE than it was before Judge Sweeney's ruling. This crime continues and until Bishops and Cardinals are put in jail, it will continue.
22
I loved this film, and wept after watching it. Journalism and media take such a beating these days, with such distrust (and some of it earned). But this was a beautiful, if unadorned, look at what journalism can do for us, on our behalf, and why we should support it.
It would be easy to say that this story is fading from view, but in the last month a giant case was announced in Western/Central Pennsylvania (Johnstown-Altoona) and many of the same things are in play: an institution given power and leeway, law enforcement that looked the other way, and people who felt like they had no choice but to go along. This story is not over, and hopefully this amazing movie will get it to more eyes, ears and hearts.
It would be easy to say that this story is fading from view, but in the last month a giant case was announced in Western/Central Pennsylvania (Johnstown-Altoona) and many of the same things are in play: an institution given power and leeway, law enforcement that looked the other way, and people who felt like they had no choice but to go along. This story is not over, and hopefully this amazing movie will get it to more eyes, ears and hearts.
7
Am late watching it. This is a wonderful review and it is spot on. There will be a special place in Hades for Bernard Law, but the problem was much bigger than Boston. It was and perhaps still is epidemic. And, we in Cleveland still suffer from Boston's legacy in the person of Richard Lennon. He is the bishop featured in the PBS Frontline "Hand Of God" documentary.
2
Great film. sad testament to the Catholic church. The acting was top-notch from everyone, though i must say Ruffalo was VERY good. This is what happens when the Establishment bureaucracy of any type of institution, be it government, or religion is allowed to becoming larger than life, or above the law.
1
Just came out of the theater and I haven't found myself gripped for two hours as much as with Spotlight in a long, long time. The beauty came from the realism; that it didn't exaggerate: It told this journalism story the way it is, without embellishment (without adjectives). I worked in newspapers in this era and it also brought back memories of the "power of print." I also recall how it was possible for inertia to set in in newspapers, as other stories and other obligations replaced the "big one." Just like a good print article, the beauty of this movie was in the details. It takes people like Ruffalo's character to make these stories come true. Dogged, almost animalistic determination!
7
Reading every small thought and question that ran through my mind last night while watching Spotlight in this review makes me incredibly satisfied. Spotlight reinforced my belief in journalism and its core purpose.
This movie also made me uneasy in the sense that as we, humans, are growing increasingly smart, intelligent and objective, deeply entrenched beliefs of religion are starting to make no sense at all, reflecting a disconcerting feeling of our idiot-ism in the mirror. Of course, a feeling like this is not even close to existence in regions like India where religion rules the majority of the nation's minds, judgement and conscience. But the millennials of today's world are watching close, reflecting and changing, for the good. Great work!
This movie also made me uneasy in the sense that as we, humans, are growing increasingly smart, intelligent and objective, deeply entrenched beliefs of religion are starting to make no sense at all, reflecting a disconcerting feeling of our idiot-ism in the mirror. Of course, a feeling like this is not even close to existence in regions like India where religion rules the majority of the nation's minds, judgement and conscience. But the millennials of today's world are watching close, reflecting and changing, for the good. Great work!
2
This was the first year in a long time that I saw a majority of the films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. Spotlight was the best of the bunch. It was a near perfect ensemble film.
Spotlight also reminds us that mainstream media can do more than promote the status quo and can even challenge powerful interests within the community. That does not happen nearly enough. The review by A.O. Scott is among the best reviews of his I have ever read...and I have read literally dozens of his reviews. Kudos to those on the Boston Globe's Spotlight team, kudos to those who wrote about them, those who played them in the film, and kudos to Mr.Scott for a fine review of a great movie.
Spotlight also reminds us that mainstream media can do more than promote the status quo and can even challenge powerful interests within the community. That does not happen nearly enough. The review by A.O. Scott is among the best reviews of his I have ever read...and I have read literally dozens of his reviews. Kudos to those on the Boston Globe's Spotlight team, kudos to those who wrote about them, those who played them in the film, and kudos to Mr.Scott for a fine review of a great movie.
16
I thought The Big Short was just as good. If I had been a member of the Academy, not sure which of the two - but one it would have certainly been.
I saw the movie recently, and I saw it win a fully deserved Oscar tonight. It is a great movie about pervasive crime and corruption in a failing institution. Pope Frances may not have the time or strength to rescue it. I wish him and the Church, in which I was brought up, well.
4
I watched this film on Saturday before the Oscars. It's brilliant and devastating all at once. Every actor is terrific, including the small roles. I am Catholic and I lived in Boston as this story unfolded. The film got it right, including individuals' loss of faith in a church that made the abuse of children its daily business. In 2016 we learned what we've always suspected: complicity ran through the Vatican.
I am pleased that the film won Best Picture.
I am pleased that the film won Best Picture.
18
I too saw this at the last minute to feed the Oscar frenzy- it is a brilliant film that rocks our conscience as it challenges us to face the truth about the human condition . There are deep scars and consequences for the victims of our unwillingness to identify corruption and abuse of power. The film asks us to understand how easy it is for the best of us to rationalize evil and hope it goes away so we can get on with our illusions. Each character, so carefully rendered, shows us that logic, passion, and time itself need to align for there to be a cleansing- if indeed that is what we have. This film holds its place as a work of Art that becomes a public educator- may it do well tonight and continue its effect on our culture so that at least one life will be made better for its touch.
17
Roman Catholic moral doctrines condemn sexual desire as 'concupiscence', a mortal sin that will result in condemnation to hell. Yet, sexual desire is an imperative embedded in neurobiology to assure the survival of the species through intensely pleasurable engagement that sometimes leads to mishegoss. Such complexities may lead some to seek refuge in religious condemnation yet the reality is that such desires do not go away. in fact, they are profoundly imperative.
The promise of eternal salvation for submitting to moral codes that no adult can easily abide offers the illusion that one can ignore their urgencies. In fact, the misconduct of priests makes obvious the absurd nature of those claims.
So, if priests were to be selected on the basis of their capacity to compassionately embrace these fundamental realities of the human experience and were not forbidden from pursuing those interests in consensual relationships with adults would this haven of pedophilia exist?
Likely not, but, Roman Catholicism will never change and so will continue to be a criminal haven for pedophiles. Some will regard these comments as hate speech yet the moral rectitude of the Church is a standard that few can abide.
What has evolved is a corrupt and cynical system that shelters predators while retaining its wealth and privilege for the denizens of the Vatican. yet the pope and his church will survive suppressing what are inconvenient truths.
The promise of eternal salvation for submitting to moral codes that no adult can easily abide offers the illusion that one can ignore their urgencies. In fact, the misconduct of priests makes obvious the absurd nature of those claims.
So, if priests were to be selected on the basis of their capacity to compassionately embrace these fundamental realities of the human experience and were not forbidden from pursuing those interests in consensual relationships with adults would this haven of pedophilia exist?
Likely not, but, Roman Catholicism will never change and so will continue to be a criminal haven for pedophiles. Some will regard these comments as hate speech yet the moral rectitude of the Church is a standard that few can abide.
What has evolved is a corrupt and cynical system that shelters predators while retaining its wealth and privilege for the denizens of the Vatican. yet the pope and his church will survive suppressing what are inconvenient truths.
12
Actually the church has changed its way - these actions were in the past. These men almost exclusively were homosexual and the church has tightened up on allowing homosexual men in - discriminatory yes but wise probably.
1
RIDICULOUS!! Yes, what you are saying is ridiculous. Homosexual men are NOT predators. Predators are predators.
11
Jack Murphy - your statement that these abusive priests were mostly homosexuals is absolutely incorrect. And if the church indeed "dealt" with this problem by not hiring homosexual priests - well, that's exactly what the problem is, isn't it?
A belated post on Oscar Sunday, I went to see Spotlight this weekend.
I left the theater with chills not only from the horrific, and rampant abuse of pedophilia in the archdiocese of Boston but also seeing the scrolled list of countless Roman Catholic parishes all around the world where similar abuse has occurred.
I wish that the film, Spotlight, would be recognized with the Oscar award in many of the six categories for which it has been nominated: picture, actor, supporting actor and actress and director. At least in being nominated for Best Picture many more will have seen it and thus focusing on the criminal acts but also the significant need for emotional support for the victims.
I left the theater with chills not only from the horrific, and rampant abuse of pedophilia in the archdiocese of Boston but also seeing the scrolled list of countless Roman Catholic parishes all around the world where similar abuse has occurred.
I wish that the film, Spotlight, would be recognized with the Oscar award in many of the six categories for which it has been nominated: picture, actor, supporting actor and actress and director. At least in being nominated for Best Picture many more will have seen it and thus focusing on the criminal acts but also the significant need for emotional support for the victims.
8
What is it about religion and sexual abuse that gets a pass?
4
I loved the movie - and always enjoy a good journalism yarn. I also, usually, love Mark Ruffalo, but here his acting felt too mannerly and "look - I met the real guy and have adopted all his quirks". Otherwise such wonderful understated performances by the rest - with a huge mention to Michael Keaton - solid and "flinty" as you said.
1
I have to admit that I really liked Ruffalo and his mannerisms. It was a different character. I love his work, all of it, and his activism for Amnesty International.
8
I completely agree. I thought Mark Ruffalo's self conscious acting was a distraction in an otherwise brilliantly acted film.
Saw this amazing movie today and left the theatre dazed but knowing that a terrible and systematic abuse of children had finally been exposed to the light of day. The scope of the abuse will floor you.
10
One of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Truly gripping - had to put off going to the restroom because I didn't want to miss one moment of the film. And the acting was superb. Although I knew the outcome, it still came across as thrilling.
15
Truly remarkable. The final moments of the film sent chills up my spine, and I left the theatre shaking.
Conversations among friends afterward left us with unanswered questions regarding culpable ignorance...not just of the clergy, but of Catholics in general. The ultimate question involving those who continue to support this institution: "What is the difference between people who, knowing the horrors, continued to belong to the Nazi party, and those who continue to belong to this church? I have no answer, but my heart aches for these victims.
Conversations among friends afterward left us with unanswered questions regarding culpable ignorance...not just of the clergy, but of Catholics in general. The ultimate question involving those who continue to support this institution: "What is the difference between people who, knowing the horrors, continued to belong to the Nazi party, and those who continue to belong to this church? I have no answer, but my heart aches for these victims.
18
Indeed, and sad to say, the church has a poor record on the Holocaust as well.
14
Not at all - saving thousands of Jews - so brave in its defiance that the Head Rabbi in Rome converted to Catholicism and Einstein an atheist and anti-Catholic spoke out openly that while the liberals he respected so much ran for cover the catholic church alone stood up for the Jews against Hitler. And you Hitler was so angry he planned to murder the Pope.
Finally the story is told and I hope it brings some peace to all the people who were hurt and have been hiding this awful truth for years and years. It's hard to fathom how many children were hurt by priests and, in one instance, murdered, as happened where I grew up. This situation was out of control all over MA and as we see in the end of the film, all over the world. So many families had blind faith and this is how they were rewarded.
14
Thank goodness (and the director and screenwriter) that this film resisted the temptation to detour into angry, pointless, atheists-vs.-religion polemics. It's a much better film for staying on-point and focused -- telling the story of how a handful of hardworking, dedicated journalists exposed a criminal cover-up. Spotlight is a film that reasonable atheists and Christians alike can enjoy without the dull, dread foreboding of a high-handed lecture -- or sermon.
9
I found this movie did a great job of presenting lots and lots of facts but where was the heart? I did not feel sorry for any victims or their families and left the movie believing that it certainly did not deserve an Oscar. The scene of the "house" where the bad priests were getting treatment was annoying. Another thing was the references to the Jewishness of the new Editor. Heavy handed at best. I am grateful that this monstrous act was exposed but the movie left be cold.
1
I'm sorry you felt that way. I didn't at all. It's a little like courtroom talk about the defendant not seeming to be sorry because his expressions were "not right." The victims showed a lot. They'd lived with this a long time and had valiantly tried to get over it and live.The reporters had to handle people sensitively and vigorously to get their stories. I am an inveterate moviegoer, and I appreciated tkhe heck out of this movie, the actors, and their story.
23
Sorry, but in addition to the victims, I felt very sorry for the journalists in the Spotlight team. Catholics all (lapsed or not), who had their early (and probably forever,as Mark Ruffalo's character suggests) "faith" exposed for the evil and the hypocrisy within. I am one of many lapsed Catholics and believe me watching this movie broke my heart on many, many levels. What it did do positively for me however was to reaffirm the importance of a free and dedicated press to all of us.
27
I agree. I've been lapsed for years, but halfway through the film, I broke down. Cried through the rest and then when the ending comes along with all those victims. That ending spoke volumes. Alas, a free and dedicated press is expensive, and many papers, even the Globe, have cut their budgets.
2
I've seen all the Oscar contenders (but one, Room, it's next.) Today I saw Spotlight at a pretty full matinee. In my humble opinion this is the best picture.
Great ensemble cast, important topic, the story rings true.
This is the media functioning at its best. All that talk about "Make America Great." Reporters going after and getting out the truth- that's a big part of American greatness. We need more of it, not less. This is a story that needed telling. This movie fills in all the details about how it got told.
Great ensemble cast, important topic, the story rings true.
This is the media functioning at its best. All that talk about "Make America Great." Reporters going after and getting out the truth- that's a big part of American greatness. We need more of it, not less. This is a story that needed telling. This movie fills in all the details about how it got told.
25
i agree in this instance entirely. But some stories (Watergate) were politically motivated and did more for the paper WP and the Reporters than it did for abuse in government.
Just saw this movie today. Really well done, great cast, well written, very moving. A good reminder of what happens when the institution becomes more important then the individuals. And, sadly, the children who were hurt were all already vulnerable and that's why they were chosen. See this film, it makes you think and honors the profession of journalism. We need this profession now more then ever. And the Pope needs to send Cardinal Law back to face prosecution, what a despicable man hiding behind his "holiness".
18
And his "holiness" is pretty despicable himself for allowing it, don't you think?
5
The suspension of disbelief is a director's lynchpin. How does he get the audience to go along with him on a journey, particularly one whose end they already know? Spotlight does that by bringing us actors who can offer depth of character, and allow us to get to know them.
The ensemble of actors who bring us this narrative are terrific. They help us understand the newspaper business, the strains it is under, and how it can, and must work. Good management, just like in any other business, matters.
The Globe's battle against an all-seeing, all-knowing, and manipulative Church is titanic. To suggest as some have that there was no "dramatic tension" is to miss the entire point, it seems to me. The Church had its tentacles everywhere, which is how it was so hard to uncover their institutionalized evil.
The film's creators deserve great credit for tackling this topic and reminding us that when good men and women do nothing, vultures stalk the unprotected.
This was one of the best films I have seen for some time. A 5 star without question.
The ensemble of actors who bring us this narrative are terrific. They help us understand the newspaper business, the strains it is under, and how it can, and must work. Good management, just like in any other business, matters.
The Globe's battle against an all-seeing, all-knowing, and manipulative Church is titanic. To suggest as some have that there was no "dramatic tension" is to miss the entire point, it seems to me. The Church had its tentacles everywhere, which is how it was so hard to uncover their institutionalized evil.
The film's creators deserve great credit for tackling this topic and reminding us that when good men and women do nothing, vultures stalk the unprotected.
This was one of the best films I have seen for some time. A 5 star without question.
26
Excellent movie. The real surprise is Tom McCarthy. I don't know if he has directed before (I did see his work in The Wire and other projects), if not this is truly amazing first film.
I love how understated it was. There was not an ounce of overacting. It felt real.
I love how understated it was. There was not an ounce of overacting. It felt real.
23
If only the NY Times were as concerned and compassionate about the innocent people killed in wars it (and the rest of the establishment media) support.
9
'While others savor the satisfaction of their achievement, Robinson gets it: “Where were we?” he asks. They had allowed themselves to buy into the mythology of the institution, thereby becoming blind to its potential for misdeeds.
In that line lies the message of this parable. It’s distinctly Not that the Church is uniquely venal – rather, it is that Every human institution, even those most trusted to do right, has the capacity for monstrous acts done in secret.'
http://pleasantonweekly.com/blogs/p/2015/12/08/where-were-we----and-wher...
In that line lies the message of this parable. It’s distinctly Not that the Church is uniquely venal – rather, it is that Every human institution, even those most trusted to do right, has the capacity for monstrous acts done in secret.'
http://pleasantonweekly.com/blogs/p/2015/12/08/where-were-we----and-wher...
3
I saw "Spotlight" for the second time last night. Yes, it's that good. To me, the most important message is encapsulated here: " ... this thrilling movie ... crystallizes its major concern, which is the way power operates in the absence of accountability." News media should have no friends to whom they are beholden; it stifles - and sometimes even kill - truth, justice and progress.
31
It was the best movie I've seen in a looooong time. Utterly electrifying, every single freaking scene. I felt like a kid again watching The Empire Strikes Back, only this time I'm an adult and I'm watching a real-life empire crumble. The full impact of just how big and global this story was when the Boston Globe broke it did not really hit me until I saw this movie. Not only is the movie a masterpiece (every performance transcends the concept of Oscar) , it is an act of Love. And not only is it an act of Love, this movie is, in the most ironic sense imaginable (considering it is a movie about the journalistic whistleblowers of Catholic priest rapes in Boston) an ACT OF GOD (as in, if there is/was a God, this is how He would act). So emotional, so personal, so unflinchingly nervy and unapologetically determined to tell one of the most important stories of our time: Oh dear Lord, this movie delivers.--On a related note,I saw a couple of trailers for what look to be excellent whistleblowing epics as well: Snowden (Oliver Stone!) and Concussion (NFL scandal), and after seeing Spotlight, I can only hope that in a few years from now there will be a movie like this based on the journalistic ensemble that once and for all exposed the terrible corruption that has been plaguing our police forces for decades. The "One Bad Apple" narrative is brilliantly eviscerated in Spotlight, and it is time also to put this excuse to sleep as far as police brutality in America goes.
20
Yet another attack on the Catholic church. Yes, let's hunt down the perpetrators of theses hideous sexual abuse crimes, but let's hunt down ALL of them. The number of priests involved involved in sexual abuse if only the tip of the iceberg.
I guess filmmakers make what sells.
I guess filmmakers make what sells.
2
The truth? The church caused their own problems. From your comment it's hard to tell if you agree with that or not.
7
Perhaps the church will finally reconsider its celibacy requirements. Do we see this kind of problem in, say, the Episcopal Church where priests are allowed to marry?
Just sayin.....
Just sayin.....
5
Pedophilia has nothing to do with being able to get married. These are adult men abusing children and not because they are not married. I really am so tired of this argument being presented. It's as sick as these priests are.
Great film...glad they got the SAG award for best ensemble cast.
Great film...glad they got the SAG award for best ensemble cast.
4
An extraordinary film showing the necessity for investigative print journalism. As a Catholic, I think all the faithful should see it. Perhaps Mr. McCarthy can follow up with a film showing the human cost of the $4 billion spent nationwide: thousands of closed parishes, which served as hunger, clothing and educational centers, closed in cities and towns, and good priests driven out by false accusations--yes, there are some.
9
Too bad the bishops and Cardinals weren't thinking about the welfare of the CHILDREN entrusted to their rapist priests' care. Maybe they were too busy riding around in their limousines and fundraising for their lavish lifestyles to do the right thing.
25
I see this as required viewing. I hope as newsroom budgets are cut, investigative reporting will be the last thing that falls under the knife. With social media runing rampant, any Tom, Dick or Harry can chim in on breaking events. But this movie reminds us that a knock-on-doors reporter is essential to a free society, and of the real power of the press.
28
Great film for many reasons, but uniquely important in how it points up the need for great LOCAL newspapers. Although the abuse scandal was/is global, it took a Boston paper to get at the rot in Boston. The film makes the case that a great paper must "stand alone," and that's personified in Marty Baron, an outsider and misfit. Although great newspapers have to fight against being co-opted by big business, big religion, the government, even more importantly they cannot cover our communities from thousands of miles away. They have to be on the ground, talking face to face and living with the people and officials and institutions they cover. According to the film anyway, Baron, the outsider, understood this better than anyone: from the start he pegs this story as great LOCAL news, not a national or international scandal. The film, too, focuses less on the church hierarchy in the abstract as the villain, and more on the flesh and blood aiders and abettors that live in and run the city: the vicious, protective sister of the pedophile priest; the oily but genial head of catholic charities; the file clerk who makes damaging public documents disappear from the courthouse files; the catholic high school sports boosters who look the other way and try to talk the Globe out of running the story; the prominent Boston lawyer who sees getting rich and comfortable off protecting pedophiles as "doing my job" (Jamey Sheridan deserves an Oscar for that performance).
23
Known mostly as one of those character actors without a name, Jamie Sheridan was magnificent. All well said, especially your first sentence, Alice.
3
Just saw "Spotlight" tonight and was enthralled. At the end of the film, with the trucks rolling out with the story, tears were rolling down my face. All I could think of was why, why wasn't there this kind of reporting on the runup to Iraq? Why wasn't there any real reporting that may have prevented the deaths & permanent inuries of thousands? Why?
34
Absolutely! So true! Because the press was "embedded" with the military. You are absolutely correct. NO ONE stood up to this. Afterwards, the NY Times did some great reporting but before....? nobody. I remember subscribing to Stratfor and agonizing about this move, trying to find some critical (meaning objective ) reporting and there was NONE.
5
Mother Jones and some alternative press were all over the case of false premises at the time. I remember well. The mainstream press just smelled profits.
6
There was a lot of good journalism in the run-up to the war. The McClatchy chain of newspapers, the alternative media, and the foreign media. Most people didn't seem to want to know.
3
Having just seen "Spotlight," I feel lucky once again to have survived my Catholic upbringing.
18
I was reminded by Spotlight just how vital the dogged, unglamorous work of investigative journalism is—asking questions, following leads, connecting dots, filling in the bigger picture, and ultimately shedding a sort of comprehensible light on something that had been obscure, hidden, or confusing. I can think of several current issues and/or institutions that deserve the same degree of scrutiny but don't get it, for whatever reason. As a public, we need not only to demand this type of journalism, but to support and encourage it with our dollars.
20
"Spotlight" Is the first movie I've been to in a very long while where the audience spontaneously applauded at the conclusion.
The actors, writer and director are all strong enough to stifle their own egos and allow the story to rise up above the characters. No preachifying, no sensationalism, no star turns - nothing to detract from the boring grit of digging for the truth or the slowly unfolding horror as that truth emerges.
One of the characters' concerns is that their rival, the Herald, will "get" the story first and ruin it, undercutting the Globe's investigation and desire to "do it right". "Spotlight" has no such concerns - it absolutely does this story right.
The actors, writer and director are all strong enough to stifle their own egos and allow the story to rise up above the characters. No preachifying, no sensationalism, no star turns - nothing to detract from the boring grit of digging for the truth or the slowly unfolding horror as that truth emerges.
One of the characters' concerns is that their rival, the Herald, will "get" the story first and ruin it, undercutting the Globe's investigation and desire to "do it right". "Spotlight" has no such concerns - it absolutely does this story right.
13
This film makes you feel as if you are one of the reporters on this case... a sort of thriller really. So, it's actually exciting and fascinating to watch. And it especially makes the action seem like it's occurring in real time, in real life, with real colleagues, life-like bosses, true to form lawyers, accuracy in depicting victims, and most especially the church bureaucracy. Fascinating, exciting but not overblown and tacky - it deserves every possible accolade.
14
I saw this movie last weekend, and I too have printer's ink in my veins. The film was so very excellent, and rang true in every respect.
The point made in the movie that many of the victims were from poorer families reminded me of the Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky scandal of a few years back. Most of Sandusky's victims --- through his "Second Mile" youth group -- were also from poorer families, and Penn State officials -- like the hierarchy of the Catholic Church in Boston (and everywhere else) -- used their power to silence the stories of the victims.
Joe Paterno's statue was removed from Penn State because he KNEW and did nothing about it -- football was his god. In the case of the Church, God was its god, but the responses of the powerful in both cases were evil.
The point made in the movie that many of the victims were from poorer families reminded me of the Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky scandal of a few years back. Most of Sandusky's victims --- through his "Second Mile" youth group -- were also from poorer families, and Penn State officials -- like the hierarchy of the Catholic Church in Boston (and everywhere else) -- used their power to silence the stories of the victims.
Joe Paterno's statue was removed from Penn State because he KNEW and did nothing about it -- football was his god. In the case of the Church, God was its god, but the responses of the powerful in both cases were evil.
23
What I loved about this film, was it took grave subject matter and it didn't overdramatize it, as Hollywood films are wont to do. The director and writer told the story without flourish or gloating. The actors, some of the best ensemble acting in a long time, were steeped in their characters and gave solid performances. Also, we never got that cliche of delving into their personal lives. You sensed the men were purging some of their demons, but it was never beat into you. I kept thinking that one of them had been abused as well, but even that cheap trick was never played.
The writing was impeccable, all subtlety and subtext. Love how they hinted at the fact that the new editor, a Jew, could never understand the role of the church in the Boston community, and how dare he investigate.
Even the portrayal of the victims was done with variety and subtlety.
My only criticism and I almost feel guilty for pointing it out, as it's minor, was at times I got lost in the swell of minor characters.
All in all the film reminded me of 80's films like Silkwood, or The Verdict, yet far more complicated and affecting. Kudos to the writer and director, and of course the actors.
The writing was impeccable, all subtlety and subtext. Love how they hinted at the fact that the new editor, a Jew, could never understand the role of the church in the Boston community, and how dare he investigate.
Even the portrayal of the victims was done with variety and subtlety.
My only criticism and I almost feel guilty for pointing it out, as it's minor, was at times I got lost in the swell of minor characters.
All in all the film reminded me of 80's films like Silkwood, or The Verdict, yet far more complicated and affecting. Kudos to the writer and director, and of course the actors.
27
AO Scott for the most part gets it right when he says there is no outright "desk-thumping speechifying." Unless your referring to Mark Ruffalo's explosion toward the end of the film. That was speechifying at its best, and it was glorious.
14
In the minority but I found the film bland and lacking any real tension. Cinematography was flat and uninspired. Must be showing my age but by comparison to "All the Presidents Men" the film is weak. As in this earlier film we knew the outcome but it managed to create an exciting and suspenseful atmosphere.
Not criticising the subject matter, which is what most comments here refer to . I already knew that the Church was guilty, covered up issues and the press was gallant in their quest for truth and justice. Bu I did not feel that during or after seeing the movie.
Still in all a great cast and subject matter, no CGI and no guns went off. Hooray for that.
Not criticising the subject matter, which is what most comments here refer to . I already knew that the Church was guilty, covered up issues and the press was gallant in their quest for truth and justice. Bu I did not feel that during or after seeing the movie.
Still in all a great cast and subject matter, no CGI and no guns went off. Hooray for that.
9
Agree. This movie was lacking drama. Needed more if it.
2
Agreed.
1
I'm so glad your comment was printed, I thought it was me! I found this one of the most boring, tedious, long, slow films I have ever seen. I think people are praising it for its subject matter, which is indeed important and difficult, not the actual film.
As a journalism student in college right now, I am well aware that some may call it a dying art. However, after seeing this movie yesterday I am convinced at just what an incredible impact that good quality journalism can have, and how important this work is. Wonderfully done. If you haven't seen this yet, please do.
25
The press is an incredibly important part of our free society and we need more of it and not less. Keep up the good work and contribution you will make to supporting the ideals of our country.
10
This movie brilliantly shows how events beneath the surface can destroy the lives of people who have no voice while powerful institutions protect their own. That is until a group of enterprising and relentless journalists decide to peer behind the scenes, peel back the cover, and bring the horror and injustices to light. The story pulls you in from the beginning and has a dynamic propulsion as a puzzle is solved ending in an explosive front page story that shakes the hierarchy of the Catholic church and shocks communities around the world. Impeccable writing and a first rate cast make it a strong candidate for best picture of the year.
9
God, I loved this movie. Even if I too have printer's ink in my veins. More than any other picture that I've seen, it explains why I subscribe this paper's print edition 7 days a week (even though I can't begin to read it all). There is no free lunch, boys and girls. If you want quality journalism like what's going on in this movie, you have to pay for it.
26
A fellow overscriber to the Times. I don't want to live in a world that does not have vital, truth-seeking print newspapers.
14
I am happy to pay to keep that kind of journalism alive. It scares me to think how much evil can be swept under the rug without reporters and editors and publishers who have the will and the skills to go after the truth, as the movie shows. I like that it was not overdramatized or sensationalized, because it makes their discovery all the more chilling to see how it came about through basic journalistic gruntwork: asking questions, knocking on doors, refusing to be put off by evasions and bluster.
7
Top-notch investigative journalism story. Director-co-writer McCarthy’s most meticulous work by far. Outstanding ensemble led by Keaton and Ruffalo.
Indeed, Ruffalo seems to have the innate, yet highly trained, ability to enter the essence of each character he plays and come out looking and behaving differently each time. As usual, he raises the level of acting all around him as well. McAdams, Tucci, Schrieber and a large cast of others join in, many of them never before better. For some reason, the highest quality across-the-board performances this year come from this movie and “Black Mass,” both of them about a powerful Boston organization, albeit not exactly the same kind.
Movie also dramatizes the value of long-duration investigative journalism. Without it, newspapers are forced to jump at the surface level story in order to meet a short-order deadline, which means that the story can be dismissed as revealing an aberrant rather than a systemic problem. When the new Publisher shows up, the fear at the Boston Globe is that he will curtail the in-depth efforts of the group known as Spotlight. Instead, he comes to recognize its value, encouraging team members to dig deeper so that what they report can’t be diminished or, worse, completely discounted.
Not sure if this film can measure up in fame and box office appeal to that paradigm of the genre, “All The President’s Men,” but “Spotlight” gives that movie a run for its money as no other subsequent film of its type has.
Indeed, Ruffalo seems to have the innate, yet highly trained, ability to enter the essence of each character he plays and come out looking and behaving differently each time. As usual, he raises the level of acting all around him as well. McAdams, Tucci, Schrieber and a large cast of others join in, many of them never before better. For some reason, the highest quality across-the-board performances this year come from this movie and “Black Mass,” both of them about a powerful Boston organization, albeit not exactly the same kind.
Movie also dramatizes the value of long-duration investigative journalism. Without it, newspapers are forced to jump at the surface level story in order to meet a short-order deadline, which means that the story can be dismissed as revealing an aberrant rather than a systemic problem. When the new Publisher shows up, the fear at the Boston Globe is that he will curtail the in-depth efforts of the group known as Spotlight. Instead, he comes to recognize its value, encouraging team members to dig deeper so that what they report can’t be diminished or, worse, completely discounted.
Not sure if this film can measure up in fame and box office appeal to that paradigm of the genre, “All The President’s Men,” but “Spotlight” gives that movie a run for its money as no other subsequent film of its type has.
9
Why was Cardinal Bernard Law allowed to leave the country? Why wasn't he prosecuted?? The U.S. legal system should also be investigated.
13
Perhaps you are correct about the U.S. legal system; more to the point, a retired pope being considered for sainthood and another pope slow to deliver on his recent promises of reformation of the moral culpability of the Roman Catholic Church should be investigated.
I will paraphrase a quote in A.O.Scott's article: "When (an) institution convinced of ... its own greatness works ... within itself, what usually happens is that the truth is buried and the innocent suffer."
The Church's lack of immediate action against the sexual abuse of its most innocent and its prelates stonewalling speaks louder than its pope's insincere mollifying words.
The film along with the tireless efforts of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests are important mechanisms to shed light on what the Roman Catholic Church COULD do, but does, and apparently WILL not do.
I will paraphrase a quote in A.O.Scott's article: "When (an) institution convinced of ... its own greatness works ... within itself, what usually happens is that the truth is buried and the innocent suffer."
The Church's lack of immediate action against the sexual abuse of its most innocent and its prelates stonewalling speaks louder than its pope's insincere mollifying words.
The film along with the tireless efforts of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests are important mechanisms to shed light on what the Roman Catholic Church COULD do, but does, and apparently WILL not do.
11
Cardinal Law's resignation was "accepted" in Dec 2002 and almost immediately he left for Rome (yet another thing to lay at the feet of the Catholic hierarchy and that pope being considered for sainthood) . . . just ahead of a subpoena for his testimony. So convenient.
6
The Catholic Church like any major institution, e.g., the U. S. government is only as moral as the last reformer, if it's lucky enough to have one. For those who do not have the guts to create reform (e.g. the U. S. government), the most admirable behavior is to not pontificate.
Mark Ruffalo nailed it; how one person has a clear compass early on and others try to look the other way until one by one they have to confront themselves and a criminal institution in the long time business of abusing children; children of mostly poor families with little power. Truthful line from Spotlight: "It takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to abuse a child."
5
I am a survivor or priest abuse. I was a vulnerable adult and planning to enter the convent. I went on a retreat to discern my calling. I was tortured emotionally and physically by a priest. I was raped with a crucifix. My whole idea of God changed. It's called soul murder. I have to see this movie, but at the same time it will be very very difficult for me. I managed to have the priest indicted for first degree rape in Alabama. Difficult process. I also made a training tape about abuse and I can tell you this movie is important!!
I rejected the church for over 30 years. I now go back to the Catholic church, but scars remain spiritually. God became different for me, and its hard to get that innocence back as well as trust. You are changed forever. There is a power differential, no doubt, which has been fostered. Fortunately there are some good priests and one has helped me for 15 years. Please watch this movie. Please understand how priest abuse damages someone. The name of God was used in every violation of me. Perhaps this movie will serve to teach. I will see this movie because I have lived it. There are so many victims of the abuse, including those who were hurt, and priests who are good and seen with suspicion. I sure hope I can handle watching it. Thank you.
I rejected the church for over 30 years. I now go back to the Catholic church, but scars remain spiritually. God became different for me, and its hard to get that innocence back as well as trust. You are changed forever. There is a power differential, no doubt, which has been fostered. Fortunately there are some good priests and one has helped me for 15 years. Please watch this movie. Please understand how priest abuse damages someone. The name of God was used in every violation of me. Perhaps this movie will serve to teach. I will see this movie because I have lived it. There are so many victims of the abuse, including those who were hurt, and priests who are good and seen with suspicion. I sure hope I can handle watching it. Thank you.
38
Looking forward to seeing this movie, great actors, riveting story.
But I have to add this; a tiny town in New Mexico, Jemez Springs, was the home of a retreat for wayward priests- the Servants of the Paraclete. For years pedophile priests from all over were sent there for "treatment." Many were then released to small northern New Mexico towns to continue their behavior.
I'm not sure how the timeline of the movie matches what happened in New Mexico- I will be interested to see. But sunlight, in this case spotlight, is the best disinfectant.
But I have to add this; a tiny town in New Mexico, Jemez Springs, was the home of a retreat for wayward priests- the Servants of the Paraclete. For years pedophile priests from all over were sent there for "treatment." Many were then released to small northern New Mexico towns to continue their behavior.
I'm not sure how the timeline of the movie matches what happened in New Mexico- I will be interested to see. But sunlight, in this case spotlight, is the best disinfectant.
12
Looking forward to seeing it and kudos to the reporters. But many years ago a movie called "The Verdict" with Paul Newman identified the vast power and corruption of the Catholic hierarchy in Boston .
8
Saw the film last night. Absolutely stunning. Please, please go see this movie. I can't think of a recent film (or book, or journalism piece) which better and more powerfully captures the themes of corruption, morality, and crusading journalism. And by the way, the acting, by Ruffalo, Tucci, Keaton, McAdams, Slattery and James is magnificent. Go see it!
37
This is a bit over-the-top. The movie was good, as movies should be. This kind of ecstatic rhetoric only leads to disappointment. I guess it depends on what you brought with you into the movie.
2
It is certainly not over the top. This movie was magnificent and all the actors gave stunning performances. I rarely cry at movies, and this movie moved me immensely. Will see it a second time.
4
An excellent review, about an outstanding movie. For those of us who live in the (3) cities where it is playing now (Boston, NY and L.A.), run, don't walk, to see this film now. The acting craft displayed here allows the story (and the victims) to be the star, and the film avoids going overboard in the drama department.
The church (and I am a former catholic) still has much to answer for, and perhaps this movie will move them to be more forthcoming in this modern day horror story.
The church (and I am a former catholic) still has much to answer for, and perhaps this movie will move them to be more forthcoming in this modern day horror story.
11
"Former" Catholics need not apply. You walk in to the theatre with a jaundice.
As a practicing Roman Catholic Bostonian born and bred, I am saddened to hear about the priest abuse scandal that occurred in Boston. I was attending public school in Belmont, MA in the 1950s and attending Church regularly and never once did I hear of any abuse by priests. We would have priests over for dinner and nothing untoward ever occurred to either me or my sister. My father and uncle were altar boys in Boston around the time this took place and never once did any priest lay a finger on either of them. I am not saying it did not happen but we just never saw any evidence of this ever. So it was upsetting to hear of the abuse.
I am still very Catholic and quite involved in Church and Church-related activities and love my faith. I know many fine priests who work hard each day to keep the Church running smoothly and efficiently. There were some bad apples as priests but you will find this in every field and religion. Those priests were weeded out and many went to prison as should have happened. Some want the Church to fail and become extinct but this will never happen. This is not the first time in Church history that we have seen adversity and I am sure it will not be the last. The Church of 1.2 billion members (and growing) does a lot of good works around the world and is near to all those in need. This is why I remain a Catholic.
I am still very Catholic and quite involved in Church and Church-related activities and love my faith. I know many fine priests who work hard each day to keep the Church running smoothly and efficiently. There were some bad apples as priests but you will find this in every field and religion. Those priests were weeded out and many went to prison as should have happened. Some want the Church to fail and become extinct but this will never happen. This is not the first time in Church history that we have seen adversity and I am sure it will not be the last. The Church of 1.2 billion members (and growing) does a lot of good works around the world and is near to all those in need. This is why I remain a Catholic.
2
My experience with the Catholic church has been consistent with what the film portrays. The priest from the parish I attended as a child was arrested, tried, and convicted of sexual abuse. Several priests from my current neighborhood in the Philadelphia area have been removed from their parishes after several abused people came forward, one priest after being shuffled around by church leadership several steps ahead of his accusers. I've separated my family from the Catholic church for their own safety, and I can't support an organization that didn't put the welfare of our children ahead of it's own interests.
7
"There were some bad apples as priests but you will find this in every field and religion. Those priests were weeded out and many went to prison as should have happened."
Come on, you know that's not true. In hundreds, perhaps thousands, of cases, priests that were known to rape or molest children were moved from parish to parish, allowed more victims, and sheltered from any kind of justice from the law. The Church hierarchy cut off the ability of our justice system to take them out of society, even when victims and their family were willing to testify about it. We know this, we have internal Church documents and letters that prove this, and we have the trail of victims from parish to parish to show this as well.
I grew up Catholic, and had a great experience. I knew a lot of priests and nuns, many of whom were wonderful people and friends of my family, and never encountered any abuse. I'm still Catholic, because I think the abusers were in the minority and I don't want to lose the religion of my family, which has given us so much. I can't say I'd still be Catholic if I knew any of these abuse survivors, and I definitely still wouldn't be if a priest had abused me.
But let's not deny this, ok? It happened, we know it happened (it easily could still be happening) and no amount of good works lessens this callous disregard the Church leadership and lay members have had for the safety and welfare of our own children. What if it was your child?
Come on, you know that's not true. In hundreds, perhaps thousands, of cases, priests that were known to rape or molest children were moved from parish to parish, allowed more victims, and sheltered from any kind of justice from the law. The Church hierarchy cut off the ability of our justice system to take them out of society, even when victims and their family were willing to testify about it. We know this, we have internal Church documents and letters that prove this, and we have the trail of victims from parish to parish to show this as well.
I grew up Catholic, and had a great experience. I knew a lot of priests and nuns, many of whom were wonderful people and friends of my family, and never encountered any abuse. I'm still Catholic, because I think the abusers were in the minority and I don't want to lose the religion of my family, which has given us so much. I can't say I'd still be Catholic if I knew any of these abuse survivors, and I definitely still wouldn't be if a priest had abused me.
But let's not deny this, ok? It happened, we know it happened (it easily could still be happening) and no amount of good works lessens this callous disregard the Church leadership and lay members have had for the safety and welfare of our own children. What if it was your child?
26
I hope you see the movie. The statistics speak for themselves. Additionally, the victims were the most vulnerable: the poor, children from single family homes, abused children, etc. Great that you weren't affected but don't assume that you can generalize your experience. Remain open minded to reality, its the best defense against repeating this horrible past.
14
Excellent review. I wish we still had great investigative journalists in the US. Now most are opinion writers posing as reporters.
8
Spotlight must be good.
A. O. Scott is experienced.
Compromised journalism is the order of the day, today. The New York Times international section stands in sharp contrast to the folks that give their best in American finance, banking, trading, and dealing. The first leads, the second is not strong enough to follow.
We see this again and again. This neglect is especially profound in regional outposts where the paper's power is no more.
A. O. Scott is experienced.
Compromised journalism is the order of the day, today. The New York Times international section stands in sharp contrast to the folks that give their best in American finance, banking, trading, and dealing. The first leads, the second is not strong enough to follow.
We see this again and again. This neglect is especially profound in regional outposts where the paper's power is no more.
4
Who really scooped this story? Kristen Lombardi writing in the Boston Phoenix. She is not given nearly enough credit. Lombardi wrote a series in the Phoenix on the church hierarchy's cover-up and reshuffling of raping, pedophilic priests way before the Boston Globe started to cover the story.
17
That is stated in the movie in a conversation between one reporter (played by Ruffalo) and the zealous attorney named in this review (played by Stanley Tucci). They both acknowledge that because the Phoenix does not have the readership of the Globe, its coverage did not receive the recognition or have the impact that it should have.
6
Not just the Phoenix, but "local" papers like the Patriot Ledger of Quincy, MA (also name checked in the movie) ran stories about pedophile priests before the Globe. But no one took it to the extent that the Globe did: writing something like 600+ stories; filing suit to open up sealed documents; etc. etc. The Globe sic'd its best investigative team on the story, and it justifiably led to the Pulitzer. But yes, there were some to the story earlier who did the spade work.
2
In the current "fact free" era in which Fox News and the like are the dominate news outlets, it's great that there is a film showing what professional journalism is really about. The internet has shifted the focus from fact finding and the truth to opinions and sensationalism. The 24 hour news cycle does't leave much time for getting it right. The Globe reporters did just that.
16
I am not Catholic and in fact, am not even very religious. I was brought up in a Protestant church, where I learned bible stories, sang hymns, and was taught that Jesus loves me, God created us all, we should all be nice to everyone and we'll go to heaven when we die. Pretty bland, as religions go. So, it's difficult for me to understand the reverence and deference Catholics feel for their leaders and clergy. I don't understand the power the Catholic church wields over it's followers. I have a hard time grasping why the cover-up of these horrible crimes even occurred in the first place, and why anyone, especially other Catholics, would participate in helping the perpetrators avoid punishment. I'll definitely see this film and hope that it can answer some of my questions.
8
DISAPPEARING BREED The type of journalism we children of the 60s grew up with is disappearing, so "Spotlight" is important on so many levels, including its being an example the craft of investigative reporting that will soon be just a memory. The speed of instantaneous communication via electronic media changes the expectations of consumers of news, distorting their perception of what goes into solving mysteries and establishing the facts of a narrative about which the evidence is growing in a way that today, feels too slow to be useful. So a film about the investigation of pedophile priests whose wrongdoing went on for decades, must seem positively glacial to younger moviegoers. While to oldsters like me, a child of the 60s, the pace seems just about right. Especially in cases as complex as finding out what happened with sexually abused children, it's essential that the investigation occur with caution and care for their emotional protection. It looks to me as if the film reflects the complexity of the topic and the sensibilities involved. Another fairly recent movie that was outstanding in its fictionalized treatment of alleged sexual child abuse was Doubt with Meryl Streep, Seymour Philip Hoffman and Viola Davis.
11
It is an easy an cheap virtue to be outraged at child molestation and its cover-up. Most of the comments in this section are based on unverifiable assumptions. Especially egregious are the calls to discover the truth about this scandal by referring to this and other movies. Movies, and even documentaries,
are entertainments made for the single specific purpose of making money. Those entertainments that valorize our prejudices, whether they be revenge fantasies, anti-Catholicism, or aggressive and hostile atheism. Oliver Stone's "JFK" successfully monetized conspiracy theories and many still believe his version of events to be historically accurate. "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story." It is undeniably true that the RCC is guilty in this case, but the extent and scope of that guilt still remains a question that journalists have failed to cover in the pursuit of a sensational story. Where are the empirical facts? Is it true that major insurers have not increased rates on Catholic as opposed to other churches? Why? Was Bernard Law tried? Convicted? How do we know he's guilty? Is he protected by Rome because he has evidence of Vatican complicity in the case? We just don't know. It's only a movie.
are entertainments made for the single specific purpose of making money. Those entertainments that valorize our prejudices, whether they be revenge fantasies, anti-Catholicism, or aggressive and hostile atheism. Oliver Stone's "JFK" successfully monetized conspiracy theories and many still believe his version of events to be historically accurate. "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story." It is undeniably true that the RCC is guilty in this case, but the extent and scope of that guilt still remains a question that journalists have failed to cover in the pursuit of a sensational story. Where are the empirical facts? Is it true that major insurers have not increased rates on Catholic as opposed to other churches? Why? Was Bernard Law tried? Convicted? How do we know he's guilty? Is he protected by Rome because he has evidence of Vatican complicity in the case? We just don't know. It's only a movie.
2
Insurers don't pay claims when the conduct of the insured contributes to the loss. The Church is paying the bill on this, not an insurance company. Penn State is in a similar fix because they ignored the problem after they knew about it.
7
For a glimpse of the real story of what happens when ambitious reporters can't take their eyes off the Pulitzer Prize, see http://faculty.uml.edu/sgallagher/blamingothers.htm .
Perhaps this film will move people to question why the catholic church is allowed to remain open. If documented, rampant sexual abuse of children and the covering up of it, both which went on for decades, were to occur in any other organization, wouldn’t that organization be shut down? I know my small business, a Montessori preschool, certainly would. And yet, nothing of the sort was required of the catholic church -- and their tax exempt status continues as well. Absolutely sickening.
21
hint: a small business is not the same as a global one, and less so a religion..do you think islam should be allowed to "remain open" or should it be "shut down" because of some sins of islamic fundamentalists? will israel be allowed to "remain open" or be "shut down" for the sins of its fundamentalists? not to mention the congress of the USA which according to this view should be "shut down" for its financing of billions for death and destruction, not sex with minors but blowing them limb from limb in our warfare state policies. or maybe we should kill the pope for daring to head a religion that dares to have a minority of members that are hypocrites and criminals, unlike the rest of humanity which is a master race of self chosen wonder-people .
7
Agree. The catholic church should shut down. Been proven to be not only corrupt but criminal. And this abuse and cover up has probably been going on for centuries. It's all a charade folks.
8
You can't 'shut down' a faith, a religion or a Church with a billion adherents. Could you 'shut down' Judaism? Of course not. You're actually comparing a 2 thousand year old religion with your little Montessori School? You don't shut down what is in people's souls. This is silliness. It's like saying, lets shut down Germany after WWII, or Italy.
She had been sexually abused starting at the age of 6 for two years until she finally gathered enough strength to tell her mother. My heart sank as I learned her story. Her vulnerable face haunted me, while with other clients, while working out, while at the supermarket, as if she wanted for me to do something else, other than passively sit and listen to her story.
...while " Spotlight"
" is movie, the story above is real.... the stories behind need to
mobilize us, to ensure that parents take responsibility as protective adults, and do have conversations with their children about healthy body boundaries
...while " Spotlight"
" is movie, the story above is real.... the stories behind need to
mobilize us, to ensure that parents take responsibility as protective adults, and do have conversations with their children about healthy body boundaries
4
As a newcomer to the Boston area, moving there for 8 years starting at the end of 1999, I followed the unfolding of the crimes and coverup as they came to light. One thing that always struck me as odd, and at the same time as par for the course, was the chummy way radio personalities on the daytime talk and discussion shows fondly talked about priests they were friendly with. "Father so-and-so, saw him at Fenway last night, what a great guy" etc. These prominent Boston area radio personalities were close to these priests, and there is no way they weren't, at the least, privy to rumors that some of them liked little boys etc. I assert (and perhaps others have as well) that these media guys were part of the coverup, just as the media guys with clubhouse access were part of the steroid use in baseball coverup, except this coverup was far more dire and criminal. Would love to see an expose on the role on-air media played in the coverup, naming names (which I won't do here.)
6
Will this cause Law to be ferreted out of his comfy home in the Vatican? I think not. Will it cause consternation among the lovely PR people now in positions of power in the RC church who tried to soothe Boston's outrage? I think not.
7
It is so...Justifying...to watch as Hubris, accustomed to wallowing in smug belief of its own untouchable high and mightiness, is forced to face that being untrue while receiving 'just rewards.'
Law was a disgrace and a traitor to himself, his profession, his oaths, his office, his community and the Catholic Church who desperately needed to be exposed and expunged.
Having followed in real-time Law's trials and tribulations, and with living memories of Nixon's Watergate, I look forward to viewing "Spotlight."
Law was a disgrace and a traitor to himself, his profession, his oaths, his office, his community and the Catholic Church who desperately needed to be exposed and expunged.
Having followed in real-time Law's trials and tribulations, and with living memories of Nixon's Watergate, I look forward to viewing "Spotlight."
As disgusting as Law was in his years in Boston, he was just a cog in the RCC planetary machine, and his departure from his post was completely analogous to that of the corporate CEO whose visage has become associated with that of the company that employs him - he was NOT fired - he was simply "kicked upstairs" where he has a cushy job at the Vatican that pays better than the 99% of us, with beautifully tended gardens and a chauffeured limo to drive him around - quite "the price to pay" for his crimes.
I live in Boston and was around when he was chosen to become its bishop, and later cardinal - every single syllable he uttered was carefully parsed beforehand for its resonance in Rome. I had an instant, visceral reaction to him on his TV appearances, surrounded by his groupies, most of whom were playing the same Uriah Heep corporate game, just a little less polished than his.
I live in Boston and was around when he was chosen to become its bishop, and later cardinal - every single syllable he uttered was carefully parsed beforehand for its resonance in Rome. I had an instant, visceral reaction to him on his TV appearances, surrounded by his groupies, most of whom were playing the same Uriah Heep corporate game, just a little less polished than his.
4
Between this film and the upcoming Will Smith treatment of head trauma and concussions in the NFL, issues that two venerable institutions would like swept under the carpet are going to get the kind of additional publicity both so richly deserve. Needless to say, the Church and the NFL will survive and survive quite nicely, but anytime light can be shed on the inner workings of two diverse but hugely influential organizations that are not operating in the best interests of their participants and/or devotees, such exposure should be welcomed.
2
In 1929, the Italian government and the Catholic Church signed the Lateran Pacts allowing the Vatican to exist as its own sovereign state. Mussolini, as head of the Italian Government, signed the treaty on behalf of King Victor Emmanuel III. The fact that Mussolini signed the pact should be used by the EU and the Italian government to rethink the pact and seize all of the land now called the Vatican. The Vatican should come under Italian and EU law and justice should be administered by legitimate courts.
4
And to this day, Bernard Law is still being sheltered by (and in) the Vatican.
He should be sent back to Boston to face justice for his crimes. Why hasn't he been?
He should be sent back to Boston to face justice for his crimes. Why hasn't he been?
16
It worked because it was true to the larger truth being concealed and covered up with the help of powerful people. It is a wonderful story, as horrible as the subject matter is.
The director realized his story was good enough, he didn't have to inject any fake Hollywood gimmicks like gratuitous romance. He trusted the story was powerful enough as it was, raw, wounded and un-gilded by artificiality. "Spotlight" let it play out onscreen as it played out on the streets.
The people of Boston, Catholics too, have been well-served by the Globe's financing months of dogged legwork to get at facts hidden from them. Even as we watch this type of journalism fade from our landscape, the value of a free press was never clearer than by the end of this movie. I joined in the standing ovation.
Bravo.
Ron Gollobin/Boston
The director realized his story was good enough, he didn't have to inject any fake Hollywood gimmicks like gratuitous romance. He trusted the story was powerful enough as it was, raw, wounded and un-gilded by artificiality. "Spotlight" let it play out onscreen as it played out on the streets.
The people of Boston, Catholics too, have been well-served by the Globe's financing months of dogged legwork to get at facts hidden from them. Even as we watch this type of journalism fade from our landscape, the value of a free press was never clearer than by the end of this movie. I joined in the standing ovation.
Bravo.
Ron Gollobin/Boston
7
The next worthwhile viewing for anyone who feels this film is important should be "Secrets of the Vatican" a documentary that streams for free at PBS.org in the "frontline" tab.
2
Heck, I went to parochial school in Boston. Everything was covered up. I had a looney nun grab my long hair, throw me on the floor, then pull me back and forth by my hair about 5 times. Big clumps of hair came out. I was 8. I did nothing to deserve it, except I didn't know the answer to a math problem. Parents couldn't and wouldn't do anything about it. I feel so bad for those people sexually and mentally abused by the people we are supposed to trust the most.
11
I had something similar to that happen to me because my hair was too 'pretty' and the other little girls admired it. I was punished for the sin of vanity. My Italian mother however stormed into the school and the put the nun in her place.
4
At the end of the day all the money in the world cannot change what happened to all of the abused. Only lawyers made out.
1
So, we have solid statements of the who, where, and when aspects to this story, but why the cover-up? Was it to conceal the justification for hiring known "gay" men for the priesthood in the first instance?
4
Victims were of both genders = remember, child-rapists are CRIMINALS. And does anyone really believe this hasn't been happening all over the world, wherever there exist power imbalances, for millennia ??
1
News flash Walter 123: most pedophiles are heterosexual. Do some research.
8
pedophiles are not gay or straight. they are pedophiles. men having sex with little boys is no more normal than men having sex with little girls.
4
I will be seeing Spotlight as I have a free movie ticket to the theatre that is showing this movie. Otherwise I wouldn't be spending the exorbitant fee to enter the theatre. I have not seen a movie in years but am curious about this one.
There was a Bronx rabbi who was cavorting naked with his male charges in saunas and was reinstated shortly after being dismissed by the congregants. This was outrageous behavior and he should never have been invited back. Where was the outcry from the public over this? This man should have been fired!
There was a Bronx rabbi who was cavorting naked with his male charges in saunas and was reinstated shortly after being dismissed by the congregants. This was outrageous behavior and he should never have been invited back. Where was the outcry from the public over this? This man should have been fired!
9
pedophiles are everywhere there are children. no religion is free of it. and yes, all of these people should have been reported.
3
One Bronx rabbi? Versus how many Catholic priests?
1
The story gained its veracity by the professionals that ultimately and fully told it. It was their dedication to their craft and the tenets of professional journalism that insured the story they told would be factual and verified. As troubling as the widespread abuse of children the RCC facilitated by avoidance and cover up is, the fact that so much of our public discourse is informed by a torrent of unverified rumor, innuendo and rhetoric, gushing out of the net, is in some respects more troubling. A form of pollution, it dilutes the professional product while removing us further from the truth. Too many of us prefer the curtain remain closed- we like the wizard just fine. That, it sounds like, is what this film is getting at. Well done.
7
I can't find a showing of this movie in Portland, OR. I called my favorite theater and was told that the studio doesn't think it will be very successful, so the "limited engagement" designation means it will probably never play a big screen in Portland. Maybe on Netflix next summer or something . . . Very disappointing!
10
Possibly part of the cover-up?
Opens in Portland 11/20
7 different movie theaters in Portland in the wide release weekend.
I looked at my watch for the 3rd or 4th time. I was waiting for something "big", an "aha" moment in this fascinating and understated(critic-speak for draggy) film. But suddenly after the Globe article hit the stands at the end of this maddening film the tip hot lines in the investigative team's office started ringing and ringing and ringing. And the full impact of the issue finally, finally hit home. It's not the best film of the year. It may not even be close. But the performances are terrific. The director and script are conceptually constant -- more than most films. It deserves a big audience. Why because it reaffirms our faith... in democracy. Some systems fail. Some people fail the systems. But ultimately the system that counts most worked.
19
I'll be seeing this film, if only to catch Michael Keaton in yet another film role as a newspaper reporter. He last played an ink-stained wretch in 1994's brilliant "The Paper."
10
I'm from Salem, MA and in the age group where so many of my male classmates in school were sexually abused by Father Birmingham which was then covered up by Bernie Law (I won't dignify him with the title of Cardinal. The first time that I went to Rome and went unknowingly to Santa Maria Maggiore and saw Law's name at the entry stating that he was the Cardinal in charge of the basilica I saw red. My husband was worried what I would say to Law if I saw him but I didn't. And I wonder today what I would have said or done. Despicable excuse for a human being.
54
Having lived in Boston at that time and read the Boston Phoneix, which was generally available free of charge at that time in college communities, I will tell you that the Phoenix followed the Catholic Church/abuse issue very thoroughly. The Globe came late to the story. It's a shame the Boston Phoenix doesn't get credit for their efforts of this story.
46
It wasn't just the Phoenix that started this story first -- the Patriot Ledger in Quincy, Mass. also was on this story before the Globe. But there is no denying that the Spotlight team took the story and ran with it to the bitter end -- and did the story (and the victims) proud. The Phoenix and the Ledger deserve credit for breaking the story -- but the Globe took it to its tragic and oh so important conclusion. And only the Globe was big enough to truly take on Bernard Law and the Boston Archdiocese.
40
I've come to learn that during the lead up to WW II the vatican was allowed to be its own sovereign country if pope and co. did not interfere with the prevailing regime's fascist govt. So, now we have an untouchable "country" the size of a postage stamp wielding more power than any superpower. The church is free to give aid to the enemies of decency. This-- for all the gold in all the alters in all the cathedrals --- what an insult to those who continue to believe.
18
Just saw it. Very suspenseful. And very satisfying. The review is right on.
Sure would have liked to have seen Law reading the article.
You won't be disappointed.
Sure would have liked to have seen Law reading the article.
You won't be disappointed.
19
This sounds like a great movie, though obviously a movie on a very troubling subject. When Law talks about the great institutions working together, what he also is talking about is law enforcement as well. The fact that so many cops and district attorneys are Catholic also helped fuel this crisis, even when things were reported the offices of law enforcement refused to act (it was even worse in Ireland, where the cops and prosecutors actively helped cover up the myriad crimes of the church).
The beat goes on with that, several states, including NY, have been trying to amend their laws to remove the statute of limitations on these cases, to allow the perpetrators to finally see justice, and thanks to its power the church has been able to block these attempts (their biggest fear? That it will lead to even more lawsuits against the church). The role of law enforcement in this and in the reluctance of Catholics in those organizations to go after the 'sainted church' played a large role in the story as it seems it did with the reporters, too.
The beat goes on with that, several states, including NY, have been trying to amend their laws to remove the statute of limitations on these cases, to allow the perpetrators to finally see justice, and thanks to its power the church has been able to block these attempts (their biggest fear? That it will lead to even more lawsuits against the church). The role of law enforcement in this and in the reluctance of Catholics in those organizations to go after the 'sainted church' played a large role in the story as it seems it did with the reporters, too.
28
We now also come to learn that sex abuse is rampant in the police departments across our country as well.
6
Non-sequitur?
1
And who cares ? It IS an interesting comment
I may be missing the point, but I will still "wax nostalgic for the vanishing glory of print."
17
To currently understand the Catholic Church's (specifically Pope Francis') veracity and commitment to deal justly with zero tolerance of priests who rape children and their managers to ferret them out and turn them over to civil authorities, one needs to look at the invite list of the recent Synod of the Family--Cardinal Godfried Danneels of Belgium was invited to act in quite a high role despite the fact that he covered for priests in his diocese who raped the children of families he is now representing. Sweet words, humble carriage do nothing to stop this abuse of children.
20
When the much beloved Congressman Joe Moakley was planning his funeral in the final days of his life Cardinal Law told him that he wanted Joe's funeral to be held at the cathedral in Boston (the Cardinal's big house). Joe, who remained a humble man and connected to his constitutiency throughout his decades of dedicated service, wanted his funeral be held in his local parish church. Which it was.
The Cardinal was not happy. So when it came to the eulogy to be delivered ,Cardinal Law forbade the man who was like a son to Joe and who became a Congressman himself, to deliver Joe's eulogy from the altar because of that friend's pro choice for women position . That deeply hurt Joe in his final days knowing that his choice to eulogize him would be denied.
However, the very righteous Cardinal Law did find it suitable for William Bulger , the man who covered for years to the crimes and to the whereabouts of his murdeous brother, Whitey Bulger, to find his way to the altar to speak a few words for his departed friend from the Boston political arena.
Cardinal Law and the Bulger Brothers. That's a movie in itself.
The Cardinal was not happy. So when it came to the eulogy to be delivered ,Cardinal Law forbade the man who was like a son to Joe and who became a Congressman himself, to deliver Joe's eulogy from the altar because of that friend's pro choice for women position . That deeply hurt Joe in his final days knowing that his choice to eulogize him would be denied.
However, the very righteous Cardinal Law did find it suitable for William Bulger , the man who covered for years to the crimes and to the whereabouts of his murdeous brother, Whitey Bulger, to find his way to the altar to speak a few words for his departed friend from the Boston political arena.
Cardinal Law and the Bulger Brothers. That's a movie in itself.
75
To be fair, the FBI didn't have any problem with "Whitey" Bulger's murder and mayhem -- and the FBI is supposed to uphold the law.
5
The cardinal is still alive in Rome. Being over 80 (older than I!) he cannot do much within the Catholic Church. See Wikipedia for details. Not likely that he (the Cardinal) will see this movie...
6
Alive and protected in Rome?
2
The church protects its own. The police protect their own. The corporations protect their own....need I go on?
4
The RCC continues to demand that sinners confess those sins to its clergy to receive penance and absolution, yet the church itself avoids doing the same about its own sins - perpetrated, no less, upon defenseless children. Hypocrisy of this magnitude is inexcusable in any undertaking but is further magnified by the church's supposed mission to spread the lessons and practices of Jesus. Any other institution with such practices would be labeled as a criminal undertaking and its bosses and henchmen would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, not only in the USA, but around the world. The new pope talks a good game, but the RCC continues to assume a position of moral authority when its practices are neither.
32
Studies show that sexual abuse is more prevalent in other religions, including Judaism, and is most prevalent in secular school systems.
Correction on my comment - I would like to revise the last sentence to clarify that the Roman Catholic Church remains a haven for sexual predator clergy, since the pope refuses to give over control of investigations to the police. The movie "Spotlight" makes it clear that the Church cannot be trusted to do the right thing to protect the innocence of children from priest predators, instead the Church protects the predators and re-victimizes the victims in court.
54
Thankyou for this insightful review of this excellent movie "Spotlight". I saw the full movie in Chicago a few weeks ago at a showing mainly for students of journalism at Northwestern University. The movie was followed by a panel discussion with Barbara Blaine, President of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) and by a lawyer representing the Archdiocese of Chicago. As a physician who is a victim/survivor myself, I am grateful for this movie and for the work of SNAP in helping the public to realize that clergy sexual abuse/rape is still happening because the Church is allowed to be above the law, which is wrong! The RCC is only one church and does not deserve to have diplomatic immunity from prosecution, especially when it is a haven from sexual predators.
49
Anyone want to take bets on how long it will be before William A. Donohue, President of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, takes out one of his quarter-page ads in the Times to decry bias and hatred towards his precious church upon release of this film? I cannot wait to see this film.
49
Woodward and Bernstein and "All the President's Men" sent thousands of idealistic young people to newspaper journalism and they did astoundingly good work. How tragic that this extraordinarily important story/film should appear when newspapers are at their nadir just when we need them the most.
47
Thus it is very well timed ! And "All the President's Men" is a very apt comparison for this film. Tho I gotta give Redford the edge < ;
I totally agree with those who miss the passing of the print newspaper. I grew up in the DC area and my family always subscribed to the morning newspaper (Wash. Post) and the--in those days--evening paper (Evening Star). But before we lament the passing of good journalism, I would cite the example of Inside Climate News and its excellent investigation and reporting of the story of Exxon denying the climate research findings of its own scientists. As much as we might miss the old newspaper days, online media--including this NY Times site--may be able to fill the void left by the passing of print media.
This nation needs its newspapers.
188
The number of people voting in elections would improve if there were more people reading newspapers but, alas, not everyone wants to look outside their own lives at what is going on in the world.
6
What the Boston Globe did in exposing the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal also clearly demonstrates why freedom the the press is so critically important in America.
The founding fathers certainly got that one right.
The founding fathers certainly got that one right.
3
I am not religious but I remember watching one of Cardinal Law's news conferences where he called down the wrath of god on the Globe for its reporting of priest child molestation and his cover-up... And thinking, if ever there was somebody who deserved to be struck by lightning it was him.
The fact that he was allowed to move to Rome and live out his life in luxury as a "Prince of the Church" is an outrage. If a school superintendent or a hospital administrator had conspired to a similar cover-up I suspect they would have spent their golden years at MCI Walpole.
The fact that he was allowed to move to Rome and live out his life in luxury as a "Prince of the Church" is an outrage. If a school superintendent or a hospital administrator had conspired to a similar cover-up I suspect they would have spent their golden years at MCI Walpole.
178
Lets not forget to mention that Kristen Lombardi at the free weekly alternative Boston Phoenix connected the dots on the RCC child rape scandal almost a full year before the Boston Globe team published their first story. Although they failed to credit her at the time, an error that they have corrected in interviews going forward.
115
In all that's been written about the sex abuse scandals, I have never seen the Catholic hierarchy confront this question: What role does your ideological obsession with sexuality play in this infection of your priesthood? Maybe this film will prompt an answer.
48
A vow to not have sex for the rest of your life followed by contact with young boys and girls. That's a pretty big part of the answer and it's obvious.
11
Besides, most men need constant supervision!
2
I have a theory that much of the sex abuse scandal can be philosophically linked to the Church hierarchy's treatment of women. Children belong to the world of women in these men's eyes and women are considered to be less than full persons so the children must also be less than full persons and therefore not entitled to full protection from the Church. Scandal (when men are involved) must be avoided at all costs so the welfare of children had to be sacrificed.
5
One can only wonder what local TV news workers, (I wont grace them as journalists), will think of themselves after seeing this movie as they do their lost puppy stories. This feature as well as the movie "Truth", might make a case for serious journalism, but until the profession is freed from corporate dominance we are all doomed to infotainment.
87
I always have a gnawing feeling of having been given another of the "thousand cuts" each night at the end of the (pick one of the three) network news broadcasts, when they go to the inevitable "awww" stories (lost cats, crippled children, spelling bee winners, etc, ad nauseum). This was the spot that once featured real journalists giving commentary and analysis of real issues. That's been gone since the news divisions were folded into (read under) the "entertainment" divisions of the networks. The Fourth Estate has been effectively crushed before our eyes, not to mention regional newspapers going "national". We get the USA Today! Don't succumb!
13
You should have been here when the local TV channels broadcast their "welcome to our new bishop" programs when Law first came to Boston. You'd have thought that Christ himself had arrived on the scene. I'll never forget the scenes that were shot in his former assignment, with his acolytes (groupies, really) showering him with plaudits while they basked in his presence and the cameras. And the local TV outlets were just as fawning.
I found it over-the-top back then. I find it sickening now.
I found it over-the-top back then. I find it sickening now.
2
Although this is only a review of a movie, it makes me wonder. Why are some sexual criminals and their protectors not arrested while others are? Why are there extradition procedures initiated for some but not for others?
16
Regretfully the statute of limitations on these crimes, as written in the rule of the law, ran out many years before the story broke. Sadly.
9
And until people rise up and demand that State statutes of limitation be done away with for this type of crime (as with murder), the RCC and its predators will continue as before. The change needs to be brought about by the people, not the church.
8
Can Bernard Law be extradited?
35
I believe the Vatican does not have extradition agreements - it is sovereign, unchecked and frighteningly powerful. Also, the statute of limitations might apply here as well.
5
The Boston Globe stories saved lives. By bring light to the hidden secret of the Catholic Church of sytematic, widespread sexual abuse of children The Boston Globe it told survivors around the nation that they were not alone. Survivors learned that they can stand up, speak up and fight back.
Giving voice to survivors, speaking the truth gave great power to victims. Their strength and the organization of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests combined to make a powerful voice to those abused in the Catholic Church but also other faiths and religions. This in turn spurred other victims of institutional sexual abuse, Boy Scouts, military, universities, sporting organizations, etc to raise their voice as well.
Giving voice to survivors, speaking the truth gave great power to victims. Their strength and the organization of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests combined to make a powerful voice to those abused in the Catholic Church but also other faiths and religions. This in turn spurred other victims of institutional sexual abuse, Boy Scouts, military, universities, sporting organizations, etc to raise their voice as well.
38
I will see this movie. It's encouraging to know a film was made extolling the virtues of independent investigative journalism and it's critical role in our democracy. Think about that the next time your see someone--GOP candidates--attacking 'the media'. That means 'the media' must be doing something right.
72
Beneath this story is the issue of sexual abuse, children, adults and many seminarians. Yes, in many cases it began by the priests who ran or taught
there. As so they were abused, they then became the abuser. If you go on
the Archdiocese of Chicago website, last year they published some 5000
pages of documents surrounding some 34 priests acknowledged as sex
abusers. If knew you some of these people, it doesn't take a professional
investigator to put the picture together. Boston isn't an anomaly, as it happened all over the world and the supreme power of the church hierarchy
will never admit wrongdoing as they know the house of cards will fall and
fall very hard. In the meantime, the victims, many times are shunned by
fellow parishioners who are blinded or don't want to see the truth.
there. As so they were abused, they then became the abuser. If you go on
the Archdiocese of Chicago website, last year they published some 5000
pages of documents surrounding some 34 priests acknowledged as sex
abusers. If knew you some of these people, it doesn't take a professional
investigator to put the picture together. Boston isn't an anomaly, as it happened all over the world and the supreme power of the church hierarchy
will never admit wrongdoing as they know the house of cards will fall and
fall very hard. In the meantime, the victims, many times are shunned by
fellow parishioners who are blinded or don't want to see the truth.
43
This is a movie about organized crime, featuring the Catholic church, the largest organized child rape crime syndicate in the history of the US, and in BRUTAL defiance of Jesus in Matt 18:6-14, where Jesus said childrape was unforgivable.
The Catholic church is an organized crime syndicate worse than Whitey Bulger's from Black Mass.
Whitey Bulger killed 20 adults. The creepy pedo-priests in the Catholic church raped over 1,000 children in Boston alone, thanks to 220+ pedophile priests hidden and protected by hundreds of other priests, including Cardinal Law. The Catholic church admitted 4,329 substantiated, accused pedophile priests in the US in their own John Jay report of 2004, and of course they lied. The number is well over 6,900.
And the Catholic church hid & protected 100% of their known pedo-priests, worldwide (Matt 18:6-14).
Godspeed to the Globe, for digging out a story that "God's church" would have exposed by itself, long before it became the country's largest organized childrape crime ring.
The Catholic church is an organized crime syndicate worse than Whitey Bulger's from Black Mass.
Whitey Bulger killed 20 adults. The creepy pedo-priests in the Catholic church raped over 1,000 children in Boston alone, thanks to 220+ pedophile priests hidden and protected by hundreds of other priests, including Cardinal Law. The Catholic church admitted 4,329 substantiated, accused pedophile priests in the US in their own John Jay report of 2004, and of course they lied. The number is well over 6,900.
And the Catholic church hid & protected 100% of their known pedo-priests, worldwide (Matt 18:6-14).
Godspeed to the Globe, for digging out a story that "God's church" would have exposed by itself, long before it became the country's largest organized childrape crime ring.
99
To give you a better sense of how extensive the abuse of children has been by the Roman Catholic Church in fairly modern times, watch The Magdalene Sisters to see how young women were treated for decades. It's just as depressing to see what went on in schools for girls. It's also worth noting that the focus of attention in the media and the public still centres on the treatment of the boys, but then the church promotes that very idea.
59
I can't wait to see this film.
5
Pope Francis,
Send Mr Law back NOW. He needs to be held accountable.
That Pope John Paul placed him at the head of the Basilica of St. Maria Maggiore is not just a slap in the face of the victims and their families but it is a slap in the face of all humans.
Where are the likes of "Cardinals" Raymond Bourke and Dolan on this matter? No problem pontificating (pun intended) on our private lives and decisions. HavE they no compassion? no conscience? no decency? we are talking about CHILDREN. Their silence on Mr. Law is deafening.
Send Mr Law back NOW. He needs to be held accountable.
That Pope John Paul placed him at the head of the Basilica of St. Maria Maggiore is not just a slap in the face of the victims and their families but it is a slap in the face of all humans.
Where are the likes of "Cardinals" Raymond Bourke and Dolan on this matter? No problem pontificating (pun intended) on our private lives and decisions. HavE they no compassion? no conscience? no decency? we are talking about CHILDREN. Their silence on Mr. Law is deafening.
161
They have none--no compassion, no conscience, no decency. Sadly, you are beating a dead horse. Cover-ups appear to be business as usual with the Catholic Church,
3
Very much looking forward to seeing this!
6
Obviously this film is unlikely to hit our local Bijou any time soon (see address) if at all - we shall probably end up waiting for the DVD - but please allow me to put in a good word for Tom McCarthy's other great humanist films, 'The Station Agent', 'The Visitor', and 'Win Win' - all of them not to be missed.
26
Great review! I'm an out gay RC with a husband who attends a Jesuit parish in Manhattan- I love my parish- The sexual abuse crisis is horrific- and I'm glad many/most predators are in jail- I only wish Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston was also thrown in jail. I have met many priests over the years who are extraordinary men ( hopefully some day women) who work hard and are committed to the gospel of Jesus at its very core. We cannot forget these good priests.
34
We also can't forget that Jesus will send us to eternal agony if we fail to recognize him as our savior. (It's right there in the "holy" scriptures.) That would include nearly 5 billion of us, alive on the planet at this moment.
10
Almost none of the predators went to prison. As a society we almost never punish child abusers and when we do the punishment is light. There are very few exceptions to this, so don't kid yourself that most of the priests were punished.
12
"and I'm glad many/most predators are in jail"
Sorry, this is nowhere near true - most predators, and those who covered up their crimes, have not been legally held accountable. This is largely due to statutes of limitations, but also due to lack of cooperation among church leaders. It is very, very sad. I am a victim of abuse by two priests, neither of whom were held legally accountable. I am still actively working with an archdiocese to see that a priest who abused me and many others is held accountable. I've been told that since the priest is old, he is unlikely to rape again and by publicizing his actions, the archdiocese would take away from the good things this priest has done in his ministry. This sort of mentality continues, even in the year 2015.
I love my parish and my priests, too! I think you and I go to the same parish! :) We are blessed indeed.
Sorry, this is nowhere near true - most predators, and those who covered up their crimes, have not been legally held accountable. This is largely due to statutes of limitations, but also due to lack of cooperation among church leaders. It is very, very sad. I am a victim of abuse by two priests, neither of whom were held legally accountable. I am still actively working with an archdiocese to see that a priest who abused me and many others is held accountable. I've been told that since the priest is old, he is unlikely to rape again and by publicizing his actions, the archdiocese would take away from the good things this priest has done in his ministry. This sort of mentality continues, even in the year 2015.
I love my parish and my priests, too! I think you and I go to the same parish! :) We are blessed indeed.
9
And yet again, this is not running in any theatres in our area. You would think in affluent Northwestern NJ it would not be a cinematic cultural wasteland, but all the theatres are showing the same six movies, all featuring special effects with lots of explosions.
65
Check to see exactly what corporate entity owns the theaters --- hopefully you can find a private, art house theatre. Ithaca, NY has the Cinemopolis - privately owned thus not confined politically or religiously.
4
Thankfully, in NJ's splendid north-east, the Montclair Film Festival offered its members a ticketed screening at the Bellevue on Nov. 4th. #MFF @MontclairFF
What's so art house about this movie, again? It has an all-star cast, was produced by a major studio, and already has serious Oscar buzz. It has also gotten rave reviews from every critic, high and low, including the Vatican's official radio station, whose commentators called it "honest" and "compelling." (http://www.cruxnow.com/life/2015/10/23/vatican-radio-praises-movie-on-bo...
It's showing at the Regal Cinemas in my city, which is a huge, corporate multi-plex downtown. Also, the point of art house cinema is to show movies that corporate theaters won't show because they don't think they'll draw as much of an audience. I seriously doubt that these corporate theaters have allegiances to anyone but their stockholders.
It's showing at the Regal Cinemas in my city, which is a huge, corporate multi-plex downtown. Also, the point of art house cinema is to show movies that corporate theaters won't show because they don't think they'll draw as much of an audience. I seriously doubt that these corporate theaters have allegiances to anyone but their stockholders.
There was a good reason why our the authors of the first amendment put in the need for a free press. I am glad that this film highlights the crucial importance of investigative journalism and the dogged work necessary to protect our freedoms and the truth.
116
“Spotlight” is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian). Graphic descriptions of despicable acts; language not fit for print.
I wonder if there should sometimes be an exception to this rule. This scandal is about the abuse of young people, and the abuse of the trust of the adults in their lives. Perhaps young people under 17 should be able to see a story unfold first-hand that warns of absolute power corrupting absolutely. How better to prevent such things in the future than to empower would-be victims?
I wonder if there should sometimes be an exception to this rule. This scandal is about the abuse of young people, and the abuse of the trust of the adults in their lives. Perhaps young people under 17 should be able to see a story unfold first-hand that warns of absolute power corrupting absolutely. How better to prevent such things in the future than to empower would-be victims?
134
Well, we could actually prosecute and imprison sexual abusers, which we barely do. We could change as a society so that every time a "respectable" citizen is accused, we don't all say, "Oh, no, that can't be true. The child must be lying." We could expect institutions who deal with children to protect the children instead of the adults. Let's not put the burden on the children to learn how to avoid child abuse.
10
There is often good reason to be outraged by sexual abuse, but from what I understand, the rate of reoffense in sexual crimes is not actually very high relative to other kinds of crimes. We tend to hear about really terrible cases and assume they are typical of all sexual offenders. In reality, a lot of sexual offenders are flashers or "peeping toms," not necessarily people who really had bodily contact with the victim.
Another problem is that judges and prosecutors often try to use the outrage about sexual offenses to burnish their public images. Consequently, sexual offenders who are not actually very dangerous are often kept from living in neighborhoods and forced into homelessness. We need more balance in the treatment of sexual crimes.
Another problem is that judges and prosecutors often try to use the outrage about sexual offenses to burnish their public images. Consequently, sexual offenders who are not actually very dangerous are often kept from living in neighborhoods and forced into homelessness. We need more balance in the treatment of sexual crimes.
2
Nothing prohibits people from bringing their under-17 children to see his film.
1
With all that I've read about the Catholic Church hierarchy, I have to wonder if what the Boston Globe exposed wasn't a well-known fact within the Church's cloistered walls. When not trying to buy off victims--the Church has often launched an aggressive offense, even using language like "misconduct" to try to soften the fact that priests have groomed children for assault. I have to wonder if people like Cardinal Law believe there's nothing wrong with this--except the risk of being found out and bringing uncomfortable embarrassment on the Church. I'm grateful to the Boston Globe for finally uncovering this harrowing story and McCarthy and crew for making a film to educate the masses.
90
I grew up in the Boston suburbs (started the 1st grade in 1960) and I am pretty sure that the issue of child abuse by priests was very widely know *outside* the church. I am of Protestant background but there were quite a few Catholic kids among my classmates and I remember that I shocked and upset my Mother when I naively told her what the kids at school were saying some local priest was doing (I was in the 2nd or 3rd grade and didn't understand the meaning of the words.).
Massachusetts is more than 50% Catholic with the balance being Protestant, Jewish, and whatever. And in the Boston area, way more than 50% of law enforcement, local politicians, and the judiciary were either Italian or Irish Catholic. I am pretty sure that every single one of them was aware of instance of abuse by priests even if they may not have been aware of the entire scale of the problem.
But until the Globe articles came out (after decades of abuse had occurred), nobody said or did anything. Protestants and Jews who were aware of the issue probably said "Well its not our kids that are being abused and it's not our responsibility to bring this up." And the Catholics felt they could not say or do anything that would harm the reputation of the Church.
And the impact of the Globe articles has been, of course, important around the world and led to revelation of Church abuse everywhere from Ireland to Australia.
Massachusetts is more than 50% Catholic with the balance being Protestant, Jewish, and whatever. And in the Boston area, way more than 50% of law enforcement, local politicians, and the judiciary were either Italian or Irish Catholic. I am pretty sure that every single one of them was aware of instance of abuse by priests even if they may not have been aware of the entire scale of the problem.
But until the Globe articles came out (after decades of abuse had occurred), nobody said or did anything. Protestants and Jews who were aware of the issue probably said "Well its not our kids that are being abused and it's not our responsibility to bring this up." And the Catholics felt they could not say or do anything that would harm the reputation of the Church.
And the impact of the Globe articles has been, of course, important around the world and led to revelation of Church abuse everywhere from Ireland to Australia.
35
The Denver Post reported, in 2010, "Two of the largest insurers report no higher risks in covering Catholic churches than Protestsnt denominations...It should surprise nobody that an abuser is a teacher, coach, youth leader, physician, pediatrician, minister, priest or a Rabbi." The article refers to the abuse of children. Abuse is not a Catholic problem, but a human problem which has infected all stratas of society and religions.
3
Cover-up at the highest levels, however, would appear to be more of a Catholic problem.
1
sounds like a terrific movie but is it one that beautifully portrays journalism at its best or is it one that feasts on a horrific sin committed by men who never should have been priests?...at the end of the day I'm guessing you come away with a revulsion of Catholicism's hypocrisy not an enduring appreciation of journalism...
8
No, definitely the former, not the latter. There are hardly any priests in it, I didn't note lurid descriptions, it could be depicting the unraveling of a secret at any bureauocratic institution.
1
You have to love a movie where the writers are the heroes.
104
A terrific movie. But, please, let's not put gratuitous statements such as "It is also a defense of professionalism in a culture that increasingly holds it in contempt".Today's culture does not hold professionalism in contempt - rather the opposite. The number of un-professional "news stories" that have been published in recent years invites a skepticism of "professional" journalism. Pretty much all the NYT stories have a political opinion and bent to them- and this is what makes people cynical about journalists. Don't use the excellent work of a few, portrayed in this outstanding movie, to justify the many who publish so-called news on issues such as illegal immigrants and race.
18
Beautifully written review, sir. The subject matter of this film is so despicable, yet I (raised Catholic and living in MA) know I need to see it.
89
When will the world accept that the vatican is an evil empire. In addition we now have more info that the vatican bank is indeed a shill operation for money laundering and on and on.
It's amazing how the fear of dying will cause smart, discerning people to believe in and live there lives by an organization that is built on this kind of horror.
Blind faith is gullibility born out of fear.
Canon law is a world wide disgrace!
It's amazing how the fear of dying will cause smart, discerning people to believe in and live there lives by an organization that is built on this kind of horror.
Blind faith is gullibility born out of fear.
Canon law is a world wide disgrace!
96
"Canon law is a world wide disgrace!"
Want to know what is even more disgraceful? Childhood indoctrination.
The Catholic religion lays claim to over a billion adherents. If each and every one of them had been accidentally switched at birth and sent home with a Baptist family, they would all be Baptists. In other words they would still be delusional, just a different brand of delusion.
What a sick and shameful indictment of religion, that the only way it can survive is through the indoctrination of children before their minds have developed enough for critical thinking and logic.
When will someone make a movie about that?
Want to know what is even more disgraceful? Childhood indoctrination.
The Catholic religion lays claim to over a billion adherents. If each and every one of them had been accidentally switched at birth and sent home with a Baptist family, they would all be Baptists. In other words they would still be delusional, just a different brand of delusion.
What a sick and shameful indictment of religion, that the only way it can survive is through the indoctrination of children before their minds have developed enough for critical thinking and logic.
When will someone make a movie about that?
20
Any intelligent Catholic who bothers to read "God's Bankers" by Gerald Posner will think twice when the collection plate is passed. Some of the Popes (not Francis) make Bernie Maddox look like a small-time grifter
6
The Catholic Church demonstrated by their cover up of the sexual abuse of children by its priests that it is little more than a criminal organization.
It amazes me that so many people are still devout Catholics. I can only believe that they are extremely naive and/or extremely gullible. Why can't they see the Catholic Church for what it really is?
It amazes me that so many people are still devout Catholics. I can only believe that they are extremely naive and/or extremely gullible. Why can't they see the Catholic Church for what it really is?
1
We hope everyone will see the "Spotlight" movie. Tragically these crimes and cover ups within the Catholic church around the world continue to this day.
Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director, USA, 636-433-2511. [email protected],
SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director, USA, 636-433-2511. [email protected],
SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
146
When people go to see it, I hope they realize the epidemic exposed by the Globe has been covered up worldwide. It still is.
149
So true, But slowly but surely there is more and more of a "spotlight" on the matter.
Anyone interested in this movie should also watch MEA MAXIMA CULPA, HBO's incredible documentary by Alex Gibney. It focuses on a priest who abused deaf boys in Wisconsin and also other outrageous examples of predatory priests who the church hierarchy first sheltered and shuffled them around from parish to parish.
Anyone interested in this movie should also watch MEA MAXIMA CULPA, HBO's incredible documentary by Alex Gibney. It focuses on a priest who abused deaf boys in Wisconsin and also other outrageous examples of predatory priests who the church hierarchy first sheltered and shuffled them around from parish to parish.
23
"Suffer the children", indeed.
7
The most devastating part to me was the long term study by the insider psychiatrist, that roughly 6% of the priests were active molesters. Across the entire priesthood. In the US there are 45,000 priests, so that would mean 2700 bad priests.
2
“The city flourishes when its great institutions work together,” More aptly cardinal Law means when other institutions see things his way.
66
Mr Scott writes that this movie "is also a defense of professionalism in a culture that increasingly holds it in contempt."
I don't get really get this. Our culture, it seems to me, eschews professionalism, circumvents it, diminishes its importance, but I really don't see it being held in contempt.
Please wise me up.
2
@ Charlie
You don't see professionalism being held in contempt? Perhaps you should read some of the poorly informed commentary from journalists, let alone know nothing politicians and members of the public, on say how the Fed and Treasury responded to the financial crisis.
You don't see professionalism being held in contempt? Perhaps you should read some of the poorly informed commentary from journalists, let alone know nothing politicians and members of the public, on say how the Fed and Treasury responded to the financial crisis.
6
"Eschewing, circumventing, and diminishing" are frank symptoms of contempt, in and of themselves. They are the precursors of "outright ignoring," which, in the case of "professionalism," is setting in. If we lose the concept of professional journalists, and the people themselves, to whom can we look to get the story out, get it right, and reveal the truths which could otherwise be occluded from the public? If, somehow, the denizens of, for example, Fox "News" become some sort of standard for professionalism,
what becomes of honest reporting?
what becomes of honest reporting?
22
Teachers. Scientists. Lawyers. And, (though I realize this is a flawed example, considering the slate of candidates), one whole political party seems to be rejecting anyone who's spent years learning how our political system works as their candidate for president. (Or how it's supposed to work. The only other candidates they like at all are those who've worked to corrupt it, sabotage it, refuse to compromise, & apparently haven't read the Constitution)
Anti-inllectualism is at a new high, and with it has come contempt for those who are 'professionals' - i.e., earn their living via a profession requiring years of study and/or experience to become proficient. Too many people think that, if they've seen it on TV or in the movies they know how to do it - better. More & more seem to think that anyone can teach and cutting funds for teacher salaries & supplies, and cramming classrooms, & substituting personal belief for knowledge has nothing to do with poor education. All lawyers are 'bottom feeders." As for journalists - if it isn't on Facebook, it can't be true. Who even needs police, when you can carry any sort of gun anywhere & 'stand your ground?'
The words, "Lawyer' & 'politician' already have been demonized & contempt for most other true professions is rising rapidly.
Anti-inllectualism is at a new high, and with it has come contempt for those who are 'professionals' - i.e., earn their living via a profession requiring years of study and/or experience to become proficient. Too many people think that, if they've seen it on TV or in the movies they know how to do it - better. More & more seem to think that anyone can teach and cutting funds for teacher salaries & supplies, and cramming classrooms, & substituting personal belief for knowledge has nothing to do with poor education. All lawyers are 'bottom feeders." As for journalists - if it isn't on Facebook, it can't be true. Who even needs police, when you can carry any sort of gun anywhere & 'stand your ground?'
The words, "Lawyer' & 'politician' already have been demonized & contempt for most other true professions is rising rapidly.
26
Until Cardinal Law is brought back to the US to face charges, for his complicity regarding the sexual assaults of children, the Pope's words are just that: Words!
264
Exactly! He's the PR Pope.
9
Note how slow the church was at countering the false story promulgated by Archbishop Viganò as to the Pope's supposed endorsement of Kim Davis, as well as the anonymous one claiming he had brain cancer. This Pope has done much about financial corruption, and stirred up ferocious resistance in so doing. The very pervasiveness of pedophilia among priests makes it too big a problem to remedy quickly. War-room public relations is new to Francis. Cut that good man some slack!
3
re "the way power operates in the absence of accountability":
A good phrase to put on the bulletin board of The Times's Washington bureau.
A good phrase to put on the bulletin board of The Times's Washington bureau.
62
Or at the entrance of any catholic church. Dotconnector
34
This review is a piece of artwork in itself. I sat and stared at the passage below, and thought that not just journalists, but every voter, employee, govt worker needs to ponder these words. I am going to see this movie.
"...his somber, thrilling movie and crystallizes its major concern, which is the way power operates in the absence of accountability. When institutions convinced of their own greatness work together, what usually happens is that the truth is buried and the innocent suffer. Breaking that pattern of collaboration is not easy. Challenging deeply entrenched, widely respected authority can be very scary."
"...his somber, thrilling movie and crystallizes its major concern, which is the way power operates in the absence of accountability. When institutions convinced of their own greatness work together, what usually happens is that the truth is buried and the innocent suffer. Breaking that pattern of collaboration is not easy. Challenging deeply entrenched, widely respected authority can be very scary."
240
So true! Treat yourself to a few hours of reading any of A.O. Scott's reviews, especially those of movies that he chose for "critic's picks." A.O. Scott is one of my favorite writers. Period.
1
Terrific, won't miss it. And note that the corrupt Cardinal Law fled US justice & is not merely harbored by the Vatican, but richly rewarded with Vatican citizenship & diplomatic immunity, plus a fat salary, a Rome palazzo, a chauffered limo … all these glittering prizes to ensure the crooked cardinal keeps his mouth shut. No danger there.
325
And as long as Pope Francis protects Cardinal Law, his own position as a proponent of social justice is suspect.
193
The new Pope, Francis, needs to void the deal Law struck with the Vatican hierachy and return him to Boston. Until then Pope Francis is complicit in obstructing justice for the (still) Cardinal Bernard Law.
216
Precisely Raymond, and Francesco continues to harbor and protect other perverts while pretending to 'reform' the church.
36
Congrats to Thomas McCarthy, a Boston College graduate, on his continuing climb as a first-class, quality filmmaker.
100
"Their supervising editor, Walter Robinson (known as Robby and played by an extra-flinty Michael Keaton), has a classically blunt, skeptical newsman style..."
_______________________
Extra-flinty???????!!!!
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Extra-flinty???????!!!!
7