Shattered Glass

Based on true events, Shattered Glass follows journalist Stephen Glass (Hayden Christensen) as his reporting comes under fire after a fellow journalist (Steve Zahn’s Adam Penenberg) notices discrepancies in his latest article – with the narrative detailing the impact this bombshell ultimately has on Stephen’s editor (Peter Sarsgaard’s Chuck Lane) and various peers. It’s a compelling premise that’s employed to consistently watchable effect by first-time filmmaker Billy Ray, as the writer/director does a nice job of establishing the story’s multitude of characters and their busy workplace – with the early part of the movie delivering an interesting behind-the-scenes look at creation of a monthly news magazine. It’s intriguing stuff that’s heightened by the efforts of a seriously impressive supporting cast, and while Christensen is quite good here, Shattered Glass is at its best when focused on Sarsgaard’s increasingly beleaguered character – with the actor’s frequently mesmerizing work standing as an ongoing highlight within the proceedings. Despite its surfeit of positive attributes, however, Shattered Glass never quite becomes the engrossing, searing drama that one might’ve anticipated – with the film, for the most part, boasting a watchable yet forgettable atmosphere that’s punctuated with a smattering of electrifying sequences (including a riveting scene in which Chuck finally, angrily confronts Stephen). The movie’s effective (and affecting) closing stretch ensures that it ends on a positive note, admittedly, thus confirming its place as a decent debut from a filmmaker who would go onto bigger and better things.

**1/2 out of ****