AD200910709149968AR
AD200910709149968AR

State of Play



Hollywood has a long history of romanticising the newspaper industry, but whereas the likes Citizen Kane and It Happened One Night show print journalism at its peak, capable of manipulating public opinion, State of Play depicts it in its death throes. Based on the 2003 BBC miniseries of the same name, this thriller follows the scruffy journalist Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe) and the congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) as they unpick a conspiracy that is deeply public and deeply personal for them both. It begins when a bag snatcher and a motorcycle courier are shot execution style by a mystery gunman in a Washington street. Then Collins' chief researcher dies under a subway train and it is revealed that the politician was romantically involved with her. Soon, the capitol's newspapers and blogs begin to question whether her death was suicide or murder. While the media hangs Collins out to dry, McAffrey begins to look into a Blackwater-style private security firm that the congressman was investigating and quickly suspects it is attempting to discredit him. This adaptation is likely to upset many fans of the London-based television series on which it is based. Although Crowe's weathered journalist is believable, he is also the stereotypical jaded hack, a huge contrast to John Simm's performance in the original. And Helen Mirren's newspaper editor lacks the humour that Bill Nighy brought to the part. Also, the removal of several other key roles leaves the story slightly unbalanced. Despite this, the director Kevin Macdonald has made an exciting and thought-provoking drama that elegantly builds suspense. Not only does it faithfully depict a newspaper industry that's feeling the squeeze, but its central conspiracy is also highly engaging and frighteningly believable.

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)

Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits

Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine

Storage: 128/256/512GB

Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4

Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps

Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID

Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight

In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter

Price: From Dh2,099

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
THE BIO

Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.

Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.

Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.

Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.

 

 

Arabian Gulf Cup FINAL

Al Nasr 2

(Negredo 1, Tozo 50)

Shabab Al Ahli 1

(Jaber 13)

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Company%20Profile
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The specs

Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors

Power: 480kW

Torque: 850Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)

On sale: Now

The biog

Name: Younis Al Balooshi

Nationality: Emirati

Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn

Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution