The Island Cinephile

Shattered Glass: A Compelling Watch

Directed by Billy Ray

“I didn’t do anything wrong, Chuck.”

Stephen Glass

Shattered Glass, written and directed by Billy Ray, retells the drama surrounding journalist Stephen Glass and his fictitious articles written for The New Republic – a popular magazine that dominated the early 1990s. The film closely follows Glass, who successfully fooled the public of the verity of his articles, and his co-workers to fiercely defend him amid these lies. Though, his meticulously crafted life begins to fall apart after another reporter, Adam Penenberg, discovers the falsities of a recently written story. Hayden Christensen’s acting as Stephen Glass is supported wonderfully by Peter Sarsgaard who plays Charles Lane. Lane’s newbie status as chief editor and the one to discover Glass’ lies had evoked major tension because he had yet to earn the respect of the office as the replacement for the formerly beloved chief editor Michael Kelly. Steve Zahn portrayed Adam Penenberg, who was the catalyst to Glass’ downfall. Zahn did a stellar job as the inquisitive journalist that discovers deception.

The film did a wonderful job of presenting the psychology of a character who manipulates others in order to succeed. Glass is viewed by others, and the audience, as one who is personable and extremely knowledgeable. He anticipates the needs of others before they do, and he seems to be a team-player. However, as the movie progresses, his caring behavior toward others is revealed to be an act of self-preservation or perhaps, mere ambition to rise to the top by any means. Often, when nearly discovered, Glass’ character covers his bases by using similar rhetoric on those around him, simply to garner sympathy like “I’m sorry” or “Are you mad with me?” to gauge how others feel toward him. These subtle quirks of his character are what really sells the film, because as time goes on, you recognize duplicity of his character. 

Shattered Glass surprised me greatly as I had not expected it to be as intriguing as it was, given its slow start. It was masterfully done and will be considered for another watch. 

Watch trailer for Shattered Glass.