An ambitious reporter, investigating a senator's assassination, realizes witnesses to the shooting are systematically dying and discovers a multi-million dollar corporation which serves as a front for the recruitment of political assassins.
The thrills don't mount as the film goes on. They don't even accumulate. Once they are experienced, they dissolve so thoroughly that by the end you're likely to feel as cheated as I did.
– Vincent Canby,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
Excellent performances; fascinating film.
– Derek Adams,
Time Out,
9 Feb 2006
fresh:
Pakula's production and direction are lavish in physical details.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
7 Jun 2007
fresh:
It's an astringently cynical take on official history, with Warren Beatty as a muckraker investigating the strange aftershocks of a senator's killing.
– Ed Park,
Village Voice,
7 Jun 2007
rotten:
For my taste the suspenseful set pieces go on much too long, and the message -- that right-wing conspiracy is built into the American political and corporate structure -- is overstated.