When director Steven Spielberg announced early in 2017 that he would make The Post and turn it around quickly for awards season consideration, it seemed like an obvious rebuke to the new presidential administration. The story, in which The Washington Post fights with the Nixon administration in 1971 for the right to publish what were known as the Pentagon Papers, has clear parallels to President Trump’s disdain for the mainstream media.
But what Spielberg, along with writers Liz Hannah and Josh Singer, may not have anticipated is that another aspect of the story would have equal, if not greater, relevance on the current cultural landscape by the time the film came out.
The film centers on Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep), publisher of the Post at the time, and Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks), the indefatigable executive editor. As the story begins, Graham is still trying to get a handle on her role as publisher, a title she inherited eight years earlier. Her decision to hire Bradlee has met with only limited success, and the paper is still struggling to establish itself as a major player in Washington, D.C., much less the country.
When The New York Times publishes parts of the Pentagon Papers, a study commissioned by former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara to look at America’s involvement in Vietnam, the Post is caught flat-footed. When federal courts subsequently prohibit the Times from publishing more of the papers, Bradlee considers it an imperative to find and publish the papers themselves.
This is all set amid the backdrop of Graham deciding to take the Post public on the American Stock Exchange, an action that at once seems to be her decision and also somewhat out of her control. As a rare female executive, she has no shortage of bull-headed men trying to tell her what to do, and her lack of confidence doesn’t help matters.
Spielberg immerses the audience in the down-and-dirty work of journalists, who often have to sift through vast amounts of material in a short period of time. The work appears both exhausting and exhilarating, as, at least on film, every last reporter is willing to do whatever it takes to track down leads and get the story right.
This dogged nature serves the story well, although the film doesn’t necessarily have the propulsive nature of movies like Spotlight or All the President’s Men. That’s not to say that it isn’t fascinating, but the intricate nature of what they’re reporting is nearly impossible to fully understand in this form. Instead, it’s the relationships — between co-workers, between government officials and reporters — that drive the film.
While there’s little evidence of sexual harassment in the film, it’s easy to feel the general disdain or doubt some of the men have for Graham and other women. Graham’s position is viewed as one that was not earned, and on more than one occasion she’s reduced to a shrinking wallflower instead of as the leader of the paper.
But, this being a Meryl Streep character, she doesn’t stay that way forever. Streep has earned 20 Oscar nominations and counting because of her ability to convincingly portray both strength and weakness. While never truly weak, Graham appears to be overmatched for much of the film, and it takes someone of Streep’s excellence to keep her as a compelling character.
Bradlee is a different type of role for Hanks, one which doesn’t allow him to be nearly as affable as usual. It’s a nice change of pace for him, as it lets him show another range while still remaining in control. He’s joined by an embarrassment of supporting actor riches, including small but crucial turns by Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, Bruce Greenwood, Matthew Rhys, Carrie Coon, and more.
The Post underscores the crucial role quality journalism plays in a functioning democracy. While a tad heavy-handed at times, it amply proves its point through deft storytelling and some of the finest acting Hollywood has to offer.
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The Post is playing at AMC NorthPark and Cinemark West Plano; it will open wide on January 12.
David Cross, Tracy Letts, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Bradley Whitford, Philip Casnoff, Brent Langdon, and Carrie Coon in The Post.
Photo by Niko Tavernise
David Cross, Tracy Letts, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Bradley Whitford, Philip Casnoff, Brent Langdon, and Carrie Coon in The Post.
The Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco will be shining bright on December 1.
Dallas homes and neighborhoods sparkle and shine through the holidays, with dazzling coordinated displays, choreographed shows, and Christmas lights so merry and bright that Santa can see them from the North Pole.
Below is a roundup of the best neighborhoods and homes for a holiday-light pilgrimage in 2024. Many of them are plugging in Thanksgiving weekend; check back often, as the list will grow and grow as the season goes on.
For a longer list of marvelous Christmas lights around Dallas - including drive-thru attractions, immersive experiences, commercial displays and more, head to this story.
Neighborhoods and subdivisions with special displays
Deerfield Holiday Lights, Plano, December 1-30 The Deerfield subdivision of northwest Plano hosts a magical winter wonderland you can walk or drive through. You can even book carriage rides in advance to see dancing Santas, millions of twinkling lights, and larger-than-life displays. Deerfield is located between Preston Road and Coit Road. Check the website for maps and important information about traffic flow and parking. The free event runs 7 pm-10 pm on weekdays and 7 pm-11 pm on weekends.
Interlochen Lights, Arlington, December 14-26 The Interlochen neighborhood in northwest Arlington annually presents Interlochen Lights, more than 200 homes decked out in lights and holiday-themed displays. The event allows guests to drive through the neighborhood and pick out favorite displays while they tune into holiday music in the car. The route map is here. This year, the lights will be on from 6-11 pm December 14-26; free to drive through. Watch for updates on their website and Facebook page.
Glenbrook Christmas, Bedford, December 1-31 The Bedford neighborhood lights up nightly to tell the story of “The Night Before Christmas - In Texas That Is” - along with other festive displays. The entrance to Glenbrook is on Brookside Drive located between Cummings and Forest Ridge. The displays will be on daily, 6-10 pm. Follow the Facebook page for updates.
Regents Park Luminary Event, McKinney, December 14-15 Residents of this Stonebridge Ranch neighborhood hand fold over 2,500 paper bags each year and line the streets and central park area with luminaries for families to enjoy. Grab a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider and drive or walk through streets lined with traditional luminaries and enjoy the Christmas lights that adorn the Craftsman-style homes. For updates, follow the Facebook page (highly recommended as this is a weather dependent event). Runs December 14-15 only.
Homes with over-the-top lights
Miracle on 134th Street, Celina, November 23-December 23 A Celina family has turned their massive property into a holiday amusement park, complete with over 1 million lights, a train, carousel ride, Santa's workshop, Mrs. Claus’ bakery, and much more. Tickets start at $26.99 for adults; $20.99 for kids 3-12, with season passes available and free on-site parking. It runs 5:30-9 pm through December 23. Find it at 10455 County Road 133, Celina, 75009. Follow theFacebook page for updates on special photo ops and more. Here's a preview:
Burkman Holiday Home, Frisco, starts December 1 An alumni of ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight, the Burkmans’ home is one of the most famous Christmas-light attractions in the area. It features nearly 115,000 lights, animatronic figures, special “character” photo nights, and more. They also collect new/unwrapped toys for the The LiyanaStrong Foundation and charitable donations for a scholarship fund. Open nightly beginning December 1, but closed the first two Mondays in December and for inclement weather. Check the Facebook page for updates.
The Movie House, Allen, November 28-January 1 This Allen family home turns into a theater, showing highlights from favorite holiday classics like Christmas Vacation, Elf, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Love Actually, Die Hard and more - all set to music and over 10,000 lights. Guests can also snap a pic in front of a 6-foot star that makes everyone part of the action. The 15-minute show starts on the quarter hour every night from 6-11 pm and runs Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.. 1600 Wagon Wheel Dr., Allen. Preview it here:
Tell Family Lights, Keller, November 28-December 31 The family in this home near Keller Central High School is bigger and better than ever, they say. The choreographed light show features 60 songs, and visitors can now download an app on their phones to listen to the show (or tune in to FM radio in the car). Then vote on a favorite song. (Make sure to not block anyone’s driveway and be careful driving down the street, they advise.) The show runs is on 6-10 pm daily starting Thanksgiving night. Find it at 5016 Keating St., Fort Worth, 76244. Follow their website or Facebook page for more information and updates.
'The Gift of Light' display at Joules-Cornetti home, McKinney, November 28-January 1 This wonderland in McKinney has a little bit of everything: dazzling lights, inflatables, wireframe items, yard art, an entire section devoted to nativities, plus Santas and reindeer, polar bears and penguins, Disney characters, and new for this year - a Buc-cee's inflatable mascot. The "gift" is that they raise money for the American Heart Association, and the story behind their effort is very personal. The lights go on 5-11 pm Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. Find it at 8624 Palermo Way, McKinney.
‘Stay in the Light’ display at Hughes Home, Rockwall, December 1-25 Homeowners Brenda and David Hughes have strung more than 100,000 lights outside their home in a festive display. They call it "Stay in the Light" in memory of their son, Nathaniel, who suffered from depression and passed away in 2019 at the age of 29. The couple is accepting donations for Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County plus blankets, socks, and toys to a local children’s hospital. The lights are on nightly, 6-10 pm. 1655 Plummer Dr., Rockwall, in The Shores neighborhood.
Wisdom Way Lights, Haltom City, November 28-January 1 The Gonzalez family's past choreographed light shows have gone viral for their Selena and Texas Rangers World Series themes. The 2024 presentation will consist of three new shows: Deadpool Wolverine, Bluey, and Wicked. They're also bringing back last year's hit Mario show. Visitors can view the shows from from their cars and listen on radio channel 89.7 FM. Wisdom Way Lights runs nightly from 6-midnight. Find it at 4521 Wisdom Way, Haltom City, and follow Wisdom Way Lights on Facebook and YouTube for show schedule and updates.
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The Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco will be shining bright on December 1.
Neighborhoods with pretty lights
The Park Cities The stately homes in the Park Cities neighborhoods of Dallas dress up with beautiful light displays; pick just about any street where you see houses lit top to bottom in twinkling lights, and there are bound to be a dozen more. Don’t miss Highland Park Village and its 1.5 million lights, and be sure to drive down SMU’s Bishop Boulevard, toward the fountain and back. The annual SMU Celebration of Lights takes place Sunday, December 2.
Kessler Park Historic Kessler Park features twinkling holiday lights on grand old homes and majestic trees against a backdrop of the Dallas skyline. The holiday decorations are coordinated on various traffic islands in the neighborhood each year. From downtown Dallas, go west on Interstate 30. Take the Sylvan exit, turn south on Sylvan, drive about a half a mile, and turn west on Colorado.
Elderoaks Lights, Oak Cliff A Dallas tradition more than 30 years strong, Elderoaks sees 96 percent of its homes participate in an impressive display. Located along three streets just south of the old Oak Cliff Country Club (Elderoaks Lane, Elderleaf Drive, and Elderoaks Place), the neighborhood scenes celebrate Christmas with homemade decorations that span medieval times to present day. Don't miss the streaming show of Christmas carols. There's no fee to watch, and lights go on at dusk each night.
Know of another spectacular lights display in DFW? Email stephanie@culturemap.com. Please include a website or link to social media page with your recommendation.
