Top 10 Movie Print Journalists

Inspired by writer/director Cameron Crowe’s own experiences writing for Rolling Stone magazine as a teen, William Miller of “Almost Famous” speaks to every young writer with a passion for journalism and music. Although Miller knows what he wants to do with his life, he still has a lot to learn about growing up. He gets a firsthand look at the real world and the world of rock ‘n’ roll by touring with the up-and-coming band Stillwater. In exchange, William shows this group of rockers that not all journalists are the enemy.

In what might be the most dead-on casting in the history of comic book adaptations, character actor J.K. Simmons totally becomes J. Jonah Jameson. This cigar-chewing, rapid-talking editor of the Daily Bugle brings some much-needed humor to the original “Spider-Man” trilogy, scoring the franchise’s best one-liners in his smear campaign against the web-slinging hero. Rarely stopping to take a breath, Jameson does occasionally let down his defenses to reveal a more caring side. It never takes long for him to revert back to the barking big boss we love, though.

In most portrayals of real life individuals, it’s easy to see an actor doing an impersonation. In his Oscar-winning performance as Truman Capote, though, Philip Seymour Hoffman lives and breathes the celebrated author. Hoffman goes beyond capturing Capote’s voice and mannerisms; he truly humanizes this complicated figure, who could come off as charming and eccentric in public while being envious, emotionally detached, and self-absorbed behind closed doors. It makes for a fascinating character study, depicting Capote’s struggle to write the transcendent journalistic novel, “In Cold Blood.” And while Capote may not be considered a traditional journalist, the impact he’s made in the field, especially through his development of the writing style known as “New Journalism,” merits him a spot on this list.

Tintin certainly gets into lots of crazy adventures for a journalist. Then again, Indiana Jones also got into lots of shenanigans for a college professor. In that sense, who better than Steven Spielberg to bring Tintin’s stories to the big screen in this 2011 feature? Jamie Bell hits just the right note as the all-around likable investigative reporter that’s great at getting into trouble and even better at getting himself out. Always on his feet, Tintin never stops hunting for answers and treasure no matter what stands in his way.

Originally portrayed by Michael Nyqvist in the Swedish “Millennium” trilogy and then later by Daniel Craig in the American “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” remake, Mikael Blomkvist is equal parts journalist and detective. Falling from grace after losing a libel case, Mikael is given a shot at redemption when a businessman asks him to help solve a 36-year-old case. In a world of immoral men, Mikael fights to expose the crooked and shady. While seeking the truth might land him in hot water, he fortunately has a badass partner to bail him out.

You haven’t seen the world until you’ve seen it through the eyes of Raoul Duke. This batty drug addict is so wrapped up in his story that he provides his own narration, both internally and out loud. Just as “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” isn’t afraid of making the audience feel uncomfortable, this journalist isn’t afraid of revealing the grim truth that the American Dream and the ‘60s counterculte are dead. He confirms this on a trip to Las Vegas, which has been consumed by greed.

Maddy Bowen is an especially admirable journalist, as she isn’t merely looking to write a juicy story. She wants to really make a difference by investigating the smuggling of blood diamonds in South Africa. Finding a credible source appears futile in a land God has forsaken. Through determination and compassion, however, she eventually gets a smuggler named Danny Archer to open up to her. If Maddy could help Archer see the light, there’s no telling how many other people she could reach with her exploration of loss, corruption, and family.

The “Star Wars” prequels might haunt Hayden Christensen to the grave, but he actually proved himself a capable actor in this true story of Stephen Glass. Although Stephen seems like a modest, honest, young journalist, he’s put under a magnifying glass when one of his stories doesn’t check out. Christensen does an inspired job of keeping the audience guessing whether Stephen is a sloppy reporter who made a mistake or a master of manipulation being backed into a corner. Whatever the truth is, apologizing repeatedly isn’t going to cut it.

While Superman, A.K.A Clark Kent, is often viewed as the bridge between worlds, he wouldn’t be able to complete that bridge without Lois Lane. Cynical and sarcastic while also being plucky and lovable, Lois will gladly risk her life for a story. Always at the center of the action, she’s naturally Superman’s go-to reporter. It is pretty absurd that she can’t figure out that her mild-mannered co-worker at the Daily Planet and the Man of Steel are one and the same. Nevertheless, she’s always there for Superman just as he’s always there for her.

Before we give you the scoop on our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Guy Hamilton
“The Year of Living Dangerously” (1982)
- Walter Burns & Hildegard “Hildy” Johnson
“His Girl Friday” (1940)
- Jack Taylor
“One Fine Day” (1996)
- Gray Grantham
“The Pelican Brief” (1993)

Many people assume President Nixon’s involvement in the Watergate scandal was exposed over night. In reality, though, these Washington Post reporters spent countless hours blowing the lid off the cover-up through research, interviews, anonymous sources like Deep Throat and by following the money. Told from the perspectives of Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, “All the President’s Men” not only provides an authentic look into the disclosure of Watergate, but also an inspirational representation of the importance of free press. It’s a truly fascinating film about how two journalists can take down the most powerful man in the world.

Do you agree with our list? Who’s your favorite movie print journalist? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.