Scoop 2024
It’s hard to believe that Prince Andrew would agree to such an open-ended interview with the BBC, and even more astonishing that he thought it went well! What kind of mindset leads someone to make statements like “I don’t sweat” and “It was a convenient place to stay,” and then think, “I really nailed that”? We can guess the kind of environment he’s in—the royal bubble, which is quite insulated. Despite this, Prince Andrew has a whole PR team at his disposal. These professionals presumably understand the real world and know how to navigate potential pitfalls. So why did they let this happen? It seems Prince Andrew and his team entered the interview believing it was a smart move, but the outcome was so disastrous that Charlie Proctor, editor-in-chief of Royal Central, likened it to “a plane crashing into an oil tanker, causing a tsunami, triggering a nuclear explosion level bad.” The film “Scoop,” directed by Philip Martin and based on Sam McAlister’s book “Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC’s Most Shocking Interviews,” illustrates how it all unfolded.
In the film, Sam McAlister (played by Billie Piper) is a junior producer for BBC Newsnight, known for her knack for securing guests that others deemed impossible to book. Unlike her more serious colleagues at the BBC, she has a distinctive style—bleached blonde hair, tight leather outfits, and a fast-paced approach to her work. The other journalists tend to look down on her, viewing her as an outsider. This dynamic is reminiscent of the themes explored in “Erin Brockovich.”
Sam comes up with a wild idea. Prince Andrew, who has been mired in rumors and scandals for nearly ten years due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (who is still alive at this time), launches an initiative called Pitch Palace aimed at supporting “young entrepreneurs.” An email address is provided, serving as a gateway to the notoriously secretive “palace.” Sam decides to take a chance and reaches out. Eventually, she connects with Amanda Thirsk (played by Keeley Hawes), Prince Andrew’s right-hand woman. To Sam’s surprise, Amanda shows interest in the idea of the interview. But how can they persuade Andrew? And what about his mother? Sam and Amanda navigate their interactions cautiously, never fully committing to anything and keeping their intentions hidden. Everything shifts when the news of Epstein’s suicide breaks in August 2019.
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When the scoop finally arrives, it’s Sam’s big moment. She specifically requests Emily Maitlis (portrayed by Gillian Anderson) to conduct the interview. Maitlis is a BBC newsreader and journalist who strides through the office with a whippet on a leash, seemingly above the mundane worries of her coworkers. Despite their stark differences, as the interview opportunity becomes more tangible, the two women begin to support one another. Emily possesses skills that Sam lacks, and vice versa. Together, they form a formidable partnership.
Amid the chaotic behind-the-scenes happenings at the BBC, we observe Prince Andrew in his element, and it’s not a flattering sight. Rufus Sewell portrays Andrew as a bully and somewhat of a failure, a “mummy’s boy” who greatly overestimates his own charm. While he might know how to navigate a social setting, he lacks awareness in many other areas. Palace staff share chilling tales about their experiences with Andrew, highlighted by a painful moment where he scolds a frightened maid. Sewell’s likeness to Andrew is striking at times, especially in his voice, which has a tinny quality, as if air struggles to pass through his vocal cords. He captures Andrew’s confusion and irritation stemming from his inflated sense of superiority, embodying an impatient attitude of “When will people stop making such a fuss about this whole Epstein situation?”
Every scene in “Scoop” has a driving energy, with Sam leading the charge as she strides through lobbies and hallways in her thigh-high boots. While it may be unfair to depict the entire BBC news organization as a group of uninspired individuals, the film essentially tells an underdog story. Sam, the booking agent often overlooked by others, orchestrated the interview of a lifetime. In its clever way, the film pays homage to producers.
The interview is presented nearly in its entirety, with Anderson and Sewell effectively conveying the bizarre and tense vibe of the original. However, this time we also witness the reactions of the crew, capturing the expressions of disbelief as they realize how badly things are unfolding. In her book, McAlister reflects on her surroundings, astonished by the words coming from the Prince. Did he really just say, “I don’t sweat”? Was that actually said?
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The events depicted in “Scoop” are from the very recent past, and since we’ve all seen the interview, there are likely no shocking revelations. The intrigue lies in the finer details. There’s a poignant moment when Sam, weary from the day, takes the bus home and notices a group of teenage girls at the front, laughing and chatting animatedly. A contemplative, somber expression crosses Sam’s face, revealing her thoughts. Those girls are the same age as Epstein’s victims. “Scoop” is so intent on “getting the story” that it can sometimes overshadow the true essence of the narrative. The real issue isn’t merely an embarrassing interview with a disgraced Prince; it’s about the powerful exploiting the vulnerable. “Scoop” conveys this message not through dialogue, but through Piper’s expression as she observes those carefree teenage girls.
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