The journalistic thriller is a subgenre of suspense cinema that focuses on the drama and tension of the journalistic process, from the conception of the news to its social impact and the ethical considerations behind a relevant historical fact. Marshall McLuhan, a pioneer of media studies, described journalism as an extension of human perception that shapes reality into media narratives, influencing social construction. On the other hand, Philip Meyer defines it as a process of gathering, verifying, and disseminating information of public interest, highlighting accuracy, impartiality, and social responsibility as fundamental pillars.
Journalistic thrillers in cinema are often inspired by documentary realism to strengthen the credibility of their plots. Iconic examples include films such as "All the President's Men" (1976) by Alan Pakula, which addresses the Watergate scandal with meticulous investigation and a tense narrative. Other notable titles include "The Insider" (1999) by Michael Mann, "Spotlight" (2015) by Tom McCarthy about abuses in the Catholic Church, and "Zodiac" (2007) by David Fincher, focused on journalistic investigation to capture a serial killer.
In this context, the film "September 5" directed by Tim Fehlbaum and starring Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, and Ben Chaplin, is set in 1972 during the Munich massacre, exploring the ethical and technical dilemmas in broadcasting a crucial news event through the work of a group of sports journalists. The plot highlights the importance of journalism in situations of geopolitical crisis, examining power, information manipulation, and the search for truth amid tension.
Throughout the history of cinema, journalistic thrillers have demonstrated their ability to influence the cultural perception of the audience, shaping their understanding of the past, present, and the relevance of information. Through intense dramas like "September 5," the significant impact that journalism, portrayed on the big screen, can have on society is revealed.
"September 5" invites us to reflect on the importance of journalistic work in critical moments in history, reminding us of the relevance of truth, integrity, and responsibility in the dissemination of news.
