The documentary "Page One," perhaps not surprisingly, sounds much like a story in the Times reads. Since its subject matter -- the future of the newspaper industry, told through the perspective of the Times' media desk -- is wholly unsettled, the movie spends most of its time reporting. The director, Andrew Rossi, treats the business generally and the Times specifically quite kindly, offering lots of soundbites from the likes of Carl Bernstein about the importance of a vigorous press in civic democracy, but the documentary isn't simply advocacy. There isn't also much deep investigation, so the film feels relatively familiar -- yes, the newspaper industry's identity is quite unclear and systemic change hurts.
Nonetheless, there's still quite a lot to enjoy about "Page One." Any glimpse inside an institution I love as dearly as the Times is a thrill. Watching the interactions among reporters and editors is like watching Derek Jeter take batting practice: They're little insights into how the best produce their work and you hope that something from them rubs off on you so you can reach their level. David Carr is easily the star because he's entertaining and talented, and the type of co-worker who always goes to bat for you and for the paper. And as Michael Kinsley notes, the Times' headquarters, designed by Renzo Piano, is beautiful and graceful inside. (Unfortunately, the Times built it at the wrong time and had to sell it and lease it back to itself shortly after opening it, simply for the cash.)
Rossi's argument largely rests on the importance of newspapers as a pillar of democracy. But I think he misses something more profound: How papers, for a relatively low price, open worlds to everyone that are typically accessible only to the wealthy. In today's Times alone, I can read about art high and low (Justin Timberlake and Miranda July), traveling to Majorca, the European banking system, inside details about Washington's political crisis, citizen protests in Jordan, and a new book on the development of the U.S.'s transcontinental railroad. Doing all of these things would only be possible with a life of well-paid work and leisure, but the Times explores, explains and entertains, regardless of the reader's station. Before I quit the newspaper business, during the lowest points of the business, a municipal administrator told me how her father would come home from work every night, pore over the afternoon paper (these still existed at the time), and despite only having a high school diploma, was a quite well-educated man. Sure, without papers such as the Times, we'd miss lots of political malfeasance, but we'd also miss countless numbers of the world's smaller and larger treasures.
Above is the trailer for "Page One." Thanks to Modest Mouse for inspiring the post's title.
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