To Kill the Messenger
Kalli Morris
The thought of our American government funding a controversial civil war through selling and distributing of cocaine is unfathomable and somewhat. But surprisingly enough it is a true story, and Gary Webb risked his life to prove the veracity of it. All of this is depicted in the recently released movie To Kill the Messenger, the trials and triumphs that Webb faces along the way are all brought to the big screen.
A small town writer from Sacramento, California working for a paper called the San Jose Mercury Times Webb usually covered local news involving drug dealers and some shady company but nothing compares to what his work leads him. When the tip that changed his life is brought to him he can’t turn down the opportunity to expose the truth behind what, at the time, was known as the Cocaine epidemic. The accusation that provoked him to pursue the story was that the government brought in cocaine and aggressively distributed it throughout American cities, then gave the profit of its sales and money from arrests back to the Contra War in Nicaragua. Though at first in disbelief of its authenticity once he began looking into it he could not be deterred. With the help of some unlikely characters he is able to get all the facts he needs to prove it’s true. This all took place in the 1990s during the Regan Administration. What Webb finds out is astounding and horrific, but as a part of America’s history it is a topic that should be discussed and examined.
Jeremy Renner’s depiction of Gary Webb is innovative and believable through the rollercoaster journey covering the tribulations with both his work and family life. One can see that danger looms in the most unexpected places. His wife, Sue Webb played by Rosemarie DeWitt as well as their older son, Ian played by Lucas Hedges show how Gary’s work affects more than just his job, the consequences are much larger than he or his family could have ever imagined.
This thought provoking movie is a must see for thrill seekers and any person who believes in the truth. This story should be a learning tool and a reflection of the past to both the younger generation as well as the older to discover the candor within our society. Will you be able to handle the truth in To Kill the Messenger?
