State of Play

After watching a movie with your children or students, we encourage parents and teachers to look for education opportunities to teach with movies. Here are a few discussion topics that can help with lesson plans or teaching in the home.

How does Cal feel about Della’s job as a newspaper blogger? Does he consider her to be a “real journalist”? What impact does electronic newspaper delivery have on the business?

Despite all the good things Stephen has done as a congressman, he laments that all he will be remembered for is his indiscretion with Sonia. Is it fair to label people because of one mistake? Should he be forgiven or held accountable? What kind of small, seemingly unimportant acts lead to the downfall of many of the characters in this story?

Though journalist should present unbiased reports, is it possible for a writer to be completely neutral about an article? In what ways do newspapers, broadcasts or other news sources slant their stories?