Rating: 
Summary: Crisp, solid, amusing and WELL-ACTED!!
Review: I reluctantly rented this on one of those days when you go to the store, and everything you think you want to see is already out. I had read a few good reviews of SHATTERED GLASS, but just didn't find the subject matter all that compelling. But I went ahead and got it, and I'm VERY glad I did.It tells the story of young Stephen Glass, a reporter for The New Republic (and others) and details how eventually one of his stories (and much later, lots of others) slowly unraveled to be revealed as a complete falsehood. There isn't much action in the movie...lots of talking. But the pacing is brisk, clean and never wastes a moment. The acting is thorougly committed and the writing is superb. We are sucked in to the story almost instantly, and it is kept nice and easy for us to follow...with relish! Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker in Parts II & III) is really good as Glass. We see how he totally ingratiates himself with everyone, so that they are willing to stand up for him. And when he's caught in little "inaccuracies," he apologizes so thoroughly and genuinely, people always cut him slack. We never really get an idea of WHY he does it...we have to guess. And this isn't really a vacuum for the viewer...it makes us believe that Glass is just...simply...EMPTY. Peter Sarsgard plays his editor, a nerdy, serious guy, not very popular with his staff, who slowly begins to see the scope of what's happened to his beloved magazine. He discovers that they've been dupped, and he's willing to put himself right at the top of the list of who has been duped. He is a hero without many heroic qualities...and this makes him sympathetic and believable. It's the best performance in a film full of great performances. Hank Azaria, Stephen Zahn (a favorite of mine), Chloe Sevigny and Rosario Dawson are the other "names" involved. All are good in small roles. The movie just feels so clean and compact. No wasted time. You don't get drawn in like you would in something REALLY heavy like a MYSTIC RIVER or HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG. The movie is to cynical and amusing for that. But it is still an engrossing story...one you can share with teenagers. Also, on the DVD, we get the complete 60 Minutes story about Glass. Watch it right after the movie...it's 12 minutes well spent!!
Rating: 
Summary: What a Great Look into the Collapse of a Web of Lies
Review: This movie is fan-tabulous. Great acting by Darth Vader and the editor guy. Hank Azaria is always good, but as Michael Kelley brings warmth to the role. I find it interesting that the bad reviews of the DVD and the good reviews of Stephen Glass' book are from NYC (where he lives now) and the Bay Area (where his brother lived and helped him corroborate his "reporting). Hmmm.
Rating:
Summary: All Round Excellent Movie
Review: There are some great in-depth reviews of "Shattered Glass" on these pages. I agree with everyone that praises this movie as an important film that shows the true life story of Stephen Glass and his fabricated stories that were published in "The New Republic." For those of you that might be on the fence about this film, maybe feeling that when it was in theaters, the previews really didn't catch your entire interest--THIS review is for you--cos I felt that same way. Yet, this movie had me hooked in the first five minutes and I loved it all the way through. Give it a chance if you were hesitant about watching it before. The DVD looks great, and the bonus features include commentary from the director and the one-time TNR editor Chuck Lane as well as a "60 Minutes" segment with the real life Stephen Glass, which is a great thing to watch after viewing the film. Check this movie out.
Rating:
Summary: ...conned his way into the news world of journalism.
Review: The New Republic is a news publication located in Washington D.C. which is read by many significant individuals of the American society. The publication is written mostly by young aspiring writers that want to use the New Republic as a stepping stone in their career. One of these careerists is Stephen Glass who wants to become one of the most famous journalists of all times, and he does this by saying the right things at the right time. Stephen knows how to mingle and to make people feel welcome as he wins their trust. However, his charade is about to be discovered as one of his stories turns out to be pure fiction. Shattered Glass is based on an article about the same individual who conned his way into the news world of journalism. This story is supported by a brilliant cast, which offers a pretty good cinematic experience in the end.
Rating:
Summary: That's Not All That Was Shattered
Review: Apart from The Return of the King, Shattered Glass was the best film of 2003. At 94 minutes, you're unlikely to get more explosive drama for your buck. There's no gunplay, there's no sex, and you already know how the story ends, so how come this is all so fascinating? Credit director Billy Ray with constructing a script that has no dead spots whatsoever. And the cast! George Lucas should never be allowed near an actor again. Hayden Christiansen is a revelation as the weasally Stephen Glass, who slowly breaks down as each lie he has constructed is picked apart like a giant scab. Peter Sarsgaard also shines as Glass' nemesis, Chuck Lane, who takes over the New Republic just as Glass' world begins to unravel. Together, they take you through a meditation on the nature of lies and just how destructive it can be when people go to great lengths to preserve them (Fitting, then, that the setting here is Washington, DC). Shattered Glass is the finest meditation on office politics in recent history, and that includes the brilliant "The Office" TV series. Here, as people take their jobs more and more seriously, office politics have real and powerful consequences that, in many ways, cannot be avoided. If you put ambitious people in a high pressure workplace, some will inevitably clash, affecting the entire dynamic in that environment. I've said too much already. It's a brilliant film that was criminally ignored. Time to right that wrong.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing, Well-Constructed Indie Drama
Review: Entertainment Weekly was definitely correct to praise Peter Sarsgaard for his stellar performance in this film. He plays the everyman manager (Chuck Lane) who finds himself trapped between loyalty to his employees and loyalty to his organization. Saarsgard's understated performance is one of the components that makes this such a strong work. Hank Azaria and Chloe Sevigny also perform well in interesting supporting roles, and Hayden Christiansen...well, let's just say I'd like to see him in a non-whiny role for once. Although his portrayal of Stephen Glass is authentic and probably not far from the mark based on the 60 Minutes interview with the real Stephen Glass that is included on the DVD, after 90 minutes of "I'm sorry...are you mad at me?" the viewer wants to throttle Christiansen/Glass just to make him stop saying that phrase. Even Christiansen/Glass's nasal narcissicm can't ruin this very well-put-together film, however. The tension and the drama are real and the film cleverly explores all of the subtle ways in which Glass becomes increasingly entangled in his web of deceit.
An intriguing indie drama that will draw you in and leave you speechless, Shattered Glass is well worth the time.
Rating: 
Summary: Are You Mad At Me?
Review: Thanks to Billy Ray for taking an interesting story and turning it into an After School Special. "Shattered Glass" is "All the President's Men" for stupid people. It has one redeaming element -- an outstanding performance by Peter Sarsgaard. Otherwise, this is another example of how low the bar has dropped for what is considered intelligent American filmmaking today. Yes, Billy Ray, I am mad at you.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding film.. One of 2003's best
Review: Shattered Glass focuses on a a young man named Stephen Glass (Hayden Christian)who wrote articles for a magazine called "The New Republic". From 1995-1998, Steve managed to become a well known writer and gain respect from his peers despite his young age. Unfortunately, 27 out of the 41 articles that Steve wrote for the magazine were completely made up by him. The film takes you step by step through Steve's rise to the top, as well as his downfall. Shattered Glass is an amazing film, and easily one of the best films to come out of 2003. It is a shame that not that many people have heard of this film, and that is why I consider Shattered Glass to be an unknown gem. First of all, I love films that are based on true stories. Shattered Glass has to be one of the most accurate fact based accounts ever caught on film. The DVD features the actual "60 Minutes" interview that was given with the real Stephen Glass. The majority of what was discussed in the interview was captured in the film. The cast is what really makes this film a treat to watch. It is a shame that Hayden Christian is being typecast as Anakin Skywalker from the Star Wars films, because hs truly is a talented actor. He was amazing in "Life as a House", and he brings that same brilliance to Shattered Glass. He not only physically resembles the character, but he also captured every aspect of Glass's personality as well. The rest of the cast did a great job as well and includes Peter Sarsgaard, Chloë Sevigny, Rosario Dawson, Steve Zahn, and Hank Azaria. Overall, Shattered Glass was one of the best films I have seen in quite awhile. The film captured all of the facts effectively and offered an authentic recreation of events, and the entire cast was amazing in their roles. As I mentioned previously, the DVD features the actual "60 Minutes" interview with the real Stephen Glass. It makes an excellent companion piece to the film. I highly recommend that you watch the interview after the film to get a well rounded experience. A solid 5 stars...
Rating:
Summary: The fragmented Glass
Review: Stephen Glass fabricated 27 out of 41 of his articles for The New Republic, whether it is merely bits and pieces or the entirety of his bogus stories. Sure they're captivating and entertaining but not appurtenant to a magazine that built its reputation based on facts. When Glass and the writers and editors of The New Republic huddle into their meetings, readying to pitch their stories to their colleagues, hoping to have it be printed in a column for the next issue, he captivates his peers and is modestly humble as he ends his pitch with an "I know it seems kind of silly" thing. His workmates are all probably thinking, "Stop being so damn humble. You know you got talent." But inside Glass's mind it's, "I hope they buy this story." "Hack Heaven" becomes the first suspect to Stephen Glass's scheme. Adam Penenberg (Steve Zahn) of Forbes Digital Tool, along with Andie Fox (Rosario Dawson), who wants a piece of the pie, begins to research on the authenticity and factually accuracy that is claimed in Glass's article. He begins to unveil what is not there. There is no convention and all the characters Glass writes are just that. As Forbes pressures Glass and The New Republic editor Chuck Lane for an answer and explanation, Glass buckles under the pressure and shatters from the mess he created.
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Rating:
Summary: Great flick, but where's the value added material?
Review: I loved this movie when I saw it in the theater, so I have nothing but praises for the actual film itself. What I don't understand is why the DVD doesn't have value added material such as interviews with the cast, behind-the-scenes footage or even background info on Glass himself..... Great film, mediocre DVD.
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