Cate Blanchett plays television journalist Mary Mapes in the film Truth. In 2004, only weeks before the presidential election, 60 Minutes produced a controversial segment on President George W. Bush’s service in the Texas Air National Guard.

At first CBS is hungry for this story, and Mary gathers a strong team to delve into the real facts. Lt. Colonel Roger Charles (Dennis Quaid), Mike Smith (Topher Grace) and Lucy Scott (Elisabeth Moss), dive into the investigation full speed ahead. Mary constantly informs her friend Dan Rather – who will cover the story on the show – as the evidence piles up.

Once the show airs, there are accusations of document forgeries which the team based their evidence on. This only makes Mary and her formidable crew work harder to authenticate their discoveries. However, their once proud effort begins to blow up as people who formally claimed one thing change their comments or agree they lied.

For anyone who does not remember this event, Truth is very intriguing and eye-opening. For those who do not know about it, the movie serves as a reminder of how talented actors can make everything seem real again.

Blanchett, one of Hollywood’s most proficient actresses, doesn’t fail here. She portrays a bold character who keeps the home fires going while paying homage to her colleagues and working tirelessly to get the truth of this situation.  Blanchett may be a candidate for yet another Oscar nomination.

Redford creates a usually calm but focused Dan Rather who gets totally rattled when the heat from CBS turns on him and the others. He doesn’t quite realize Mary’s obsession with righteousness as her team plows full speed into the investigation. Quaid generates a strong character in his portrayal of the Lt., and Grace is quite believable as a young investigator.

Stacy Keach and Noni Hazlehurst are convincing as Lt. Colonel Bill Burkett and his wife Nicki. Hazlehurst evokes much sympathy with her outrage at the journalists for going against their word to protect her husband. She may be a candidate for Best-Supporting Actress this year.

Truth emerges as a well-made film of journalistic history.  First-time director James Vanderbilt keeps the drama going -- and for viewers who don’t know the story, guessing.

(Released by Sony Pictures Classics and rated “R” for language and a brief nude photo.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.