Critics believe that “The Post,” a 2017 movie by Steven Speilberg, should be called “The Times” because the printing press was the first to publish details on the U.S government’s disinformation on the Vietnamese war in June 1971. According to Priest 2016, the Pentagon Papers demonstrate the presence of U.S military activity in Southeast Asia, yet for decades, officials denied participation. I believe that Speilberg selected to name his movie “The Post” because it reflected the new cultural developments in the U.S in 2017. According to Freedland, the producer was disgusted with a journalist being constantly being labeled unprofessional and unethical by President Trump. Moreover, cases of sexual violence had escalated women had begun a campaign that condemned the act (Adam and Booth, 2018). “The Post” was thus, a symbolic movie meant to provoke the audience’s thought to scrutinize the message Speilberg tried to put across instead of giving them a direct message with the title “The Times”.
The journalistic narrative
President Nixon similar to President Trump dislikes media and its potential to expose the crimes committed by leaders in the society. Consequently, the President’s in voice in a recording threatens to trample the first amendment and stop the publishing of Pentagon Paper which he calls lies even though the constitution in the first amendment act gives the U.S media freedom of speech (Priest, 2016). However, Graham, regardless of the risk of publishing the story including imprisonment and financial ruin, notwithstanding her friendship with high-profile government officials, still does it. The act demonstrates integrity and responsibility. The film represents the new pitched scuffle Americans witness between President Trump and the press in what he calls “fake”.
The woman voice in the patriarchal society
The feminism theme running through “The Post” is equally relevant to 2017 and mostly fresh in a movie about journalism. Graham was the first female newspaper publisher in the country who took over the Post from her husband after he committed suicide. From Tony’s monologue, the audience can see the sexism Graham faces from her male partners. “And when you’re told time and time again that you’re not good enough, that your opinion doesn’t matter as much-when that’s been your reality for so long it’s hard not to let yourself think it’s true.” The scene serves as a reminder of the discrimination countless women experience currently many years later is suitable for a year defined by females who are displeased with power dynamics that empower affable misogyny and sexual predation. Adam and Booth 2018, report that the #Me Too campaign started by Tarana Burke to object sexual assault by women of color went viral in 2017. The producer detailed Graham’s triumphant transformation from a meek to a great leader who propelled the Post to success.