“The Post,” directed by Steven Spielberg, boasts a powerhouse cast led by Meryl Streep as Katharine Graham, the publisher of The Washington Post, and Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee, the Post’s executive editor. Together, they navigate the perilous decision of whether to publish the Pentagon Papers, a classified study of the Vietnam War.
The Leading Players: A Deep Dive into the Talent
“The Post” thrives on its masterful portrayal of complex individuals grappling with immense pressure. The actors embody their characters with a nuance and authenticity that elevates the film beyond a simple historical drama.
Meryl Streep as Katharine Graham
Meryl Streep delivers a tour-de-force performance as Katharine Graham. Streep captures Graham’s initial insecurities as a woman navigating a male-dominated world, brilliantly showcasing her evolution into a confident and decisive leader. Her subtle expressions and powerful monologues illuminate Graham’s internal struggles and her ultimate act of courage. It is arguably one of Streep’s best performances.
Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee
Tom Hanks portrays Ben Bradlee with characteristic charisma and intensity. He embodies Bradlee’s gruff exterior, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity. Hanks perfectly captures Bradlee’s dynamic leadership style and his fierce dedication to protecting the freedom of the press. He brings an authenticity and gravitas to the role that is essential to the film’s success.
Supporting Roles that Shine
While Streep and Hanks anchor the film, a strong supporting cast bolsters the narrative, adding depth and realism to the newsroom and the wider socio-political landscape.
The Key Supporting Cast Members
- Bob Odenkirk as Ben Bagdikian: Odenkirk masterfully portrays Bagdikian, the Post’s assistant managing editor who secures the Pentagon Papers. His portrayal of Bagdikian is both intelligent and determined.
- Tracy Letts as Fritz Beebe: Letts embodies Fritz Beebe, a confidante of Katharine Graham and an instrumental figure in her decision-making process. He adds a vital layer of nuance to the historical events.
- Bradley Whitford as Arthur Parsons: Whitford plays Arthur Parsons, the chairman of The Washington Post Company, balancing financial concerns with the ethical implications of publishing the Pentagon Papers. He presents a complex and relatable character.
- Sarah Paulson as Tony Bradlee: Paulson brings a grounded and insightful portrayal to Tony Bradlee, Ben Bradlee’s wife, offering glimpses into his personal life and motivations. Her performance provides a humanizing dimension to the driven editor.
- Matthew Rhys as Daniel Ellsberg: Rhys portrays Daniel Ellsberg, the whistleblower who leaked the Pentagon Papers, with a quiet intensity and unwavering conviction. He effectively conveys the moral weight of Ellsberg’s actions.
- Carrie Coon as Meg Greenfield: Coon embodies Meg Greenfield, The Washington Post’s editorial page editor, contributing a thoughtful and insightful perspective to the newsroom dynamics.
- David Cross as Howard Simons: Cross plays Howard Simons, the managing editor of The Washington Post, showcasing the pressures of running a major newspaper.
- Bruce Greenwood as Robert McNamara: Greenwood portrays Robert McNamara, the former Secretary of Defense, adding another layer of historical context to the unfolding events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Cast of “The Post”
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the cast of “The Post”:
FAQ 1: Was Meryl Streep nominated for an Oscar for “The Post”?
Yes, Meryl Streep was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Katharine Graham in “The Post.” This marked her 21st Academy Award nomination, further solidifying her status as one of the most acclaimed actresses of all time.
FAQ 2: Did Tom Hanks win an Oscar for his role as Ben Bradlee?
No, while Tom Hanks delivered a compelling performance as Ben Bradlee, he did not win an Oscar for this role. He received critical acclaim but was not nominated in the Best Actor category. He has, however, won two Best Actor Oscars for his roles in “Philadelphia” and “Forrest Gump”.
FAQ 3: How historically accurate is the portrayal of Katharine Graham in the film?
“The Post” is considered largely accurate in its portrayal of Katharine Graham. Meryl Streep’s performance was lauded for capturing Graham’s personality and transformation during the Pentagon Papers crisis. Spielberg and the filmmakers consulted extensively with historians and those who knew Graham to ensure authenticity. However, like any historical drama, some artistic license was taken to condense events and enhance the narrative.
FAQ 4: Why was Bob Odenkirk cast as Ben Bagdikian?
The casting of Bob Odenkirk as Ben Bagdikian was praised for its unexpectedness and effectiveness. Odenkirk, known for his comedic roles, brought a seriousness and intensity to the role that surprised many. His previous experience in writing and comedy likely contributed to his ability to portray Bagdikian’s intellectual and determined character.
FAQ 5: Did the actors meet with the real-life people they portrayed?
While some of the individuals portrayed in “The Post” had passed away, Meryl Streep reportedly studied extensively Katharine Graham’s memoir, “Personal History,” and researched archival footage. Tom Hanks immersed himself in the history of Ben Bradlee. Meeting the real-life people was impossible for some, however the actors did thorough research for their respective roles.
FAQ 6: Was the cast instrumental in attracting audiences to “The Post”?
Absolutely. The star power of Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks was a major draw for audiences. Their involvement lent credibility and prestige to the film, attracting viewers who might not otherwise have been interested in a historical drama about journalism.
FAQ 7: Where can I watch behind-the-scenes footage of the cast working on “The Post”?
Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew can be found on the DVD and Blu-ray releases of “The Post.” You can also find clips on YouTube and other online video platforms. Search for “The Post behind the scenes” or “The Post cast interviews.”
FAQ 8: How long did it take the cast to prepare for their roles?
The preparation time varied for each actor, depending on the complexity of their role and the availability of resources. Meryl Streep dedicated considerable time to understanding Katharine Graham’s personality and history. All of the cast members worked diligently to understand the historical context and their characters’ motivations. The time invested in preparation greatly contributed to the success of the film.
FAQ 9: Were there any challenges the actors faced while filming?
One challenge was accurately portraying the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of a newsroom during a critical period. The actors had to master the jargon, the technology of the era, and the urgency of the situation. Also, the sheer weight of the historical events added to the pressure.
FAQ 10: What other films have Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks starred in together?
Before “The Post,” Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks had previously starred together in the 1989 film “He Knows You’re Alone.” This established an onscreen dynamic that was further amplified by their incredible performances in “The Post”.
FAQ 11: What awards did “The Post” receive?
While “The Post” didn’t win any Oscars, it received widespread critical acclaim and numerous nominations, including for Best Picture and Best Actress (Meryl Streep) at the Academy Awards. It won awards from various critics’ circles and film festivals, recognizing the quality of the acting, directing, and storytelling.
FAQ 12: How did the actors contribute to the film’s message about the importance of the press?
The actors’ committed performances and nuanced portrayals of their characters helped to bring the story to life in a powerful and relatable way. Their performances highlighted the challenges and responsibilities faced by journalists and publishers in upholding the First Amendment. Ultimately, the performances helped underscore the vital role of a free press in a democratic society.