Wrong Is Right (1982)

Second viewing; previously viewed between January 20 and February 02, 1983

Alternative title in some copies shown outside the U.S.: The Man with the Deadly Lens

A TV reporter gets involved in a complicated plot involving an Arab country. It all begins with the murder of an American reporter who was actually a spy; then the leader of that Arab country dies in an alleged suicide. The plot also involves some Arab terrorists and an American presidential election.

Political thriller. Purportedly a commentary on the ubiquitous influence and power of television, it also satirizes American politics. It was considered prophetical of some aspects of the September 11, 2001 attacks, but that is somewhat of a stretch, though admittedly another hypothesis is that the film may have instead inspired the perpetrators of that attack. The fictional plot includes the possibility of a false flag attack; this possibility has also been advocated by some in regards to the September 11 attack. Despite those exciting real life parallels, the film is actually quite bland and not very memorable. It's funny that I didn't change my overall assessment of it after 38 years, even though my understanding of the plot has been considerably better on this second viewing.

Rating: 49 (unchanged)