Reds Movie Review

Reds (1981)

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Buy the book: Ten Days That Shook the World (paid link) 
Written by: Warren Beatty & Trevor Griffiths
Directed by: Warren Beatty
Starring: Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, Edward Herrmann, Jerzy Kosiński, Jack Nicholson, Paul Sorvino, Maureen Stapleton
Rated: PG [R]
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Plot
A radical American journalist becomes involved with the Communist revolution in Russia, hoping to bring its spirit and idealism to the United States.

Verdict
It's quite the history lesson, portraying a divisive time in the country's history. It's more of a starting point than entertainment as I began researching the Red Scare eras from America's history. I wish this explored Reed's ideas instead of tethering the story to his relationship with Louise. While his ideals and his romance with her are pitted against each other and his fervor for the cause wins out, this never delves deeply into what it is he believes. We're left with generalities.
It depends.

Review
Journalist and writer John Reed chronicled the October Revolution in Russia in his 1919 book Ten Days That Shook the World. I'm sure this movie had a bigger impact upon release when the country wasn't all that far away from the second Red Scare in the 1950s and Joseph McCarthy. This movie depicts the Red Scare from 1917-1920. Both time periods provoked moral panic due to the rise of left-wing ideologies, leading to mass political persecution.

Radical journalist John Reed (Warren Beatty) lectures in Oregon, impressing journalist Louise Bryant (Diane Keaton) with his idealism. She wants to interview him, and he asks if she's married. She lies and states she isn't. That doesn't provide much of an impediment as she leaves with him for New York where he lives in a community with other activists and artists.

Diane Keaton, Warren Beatty play Louise Bryant, John Reed

Tension in their relationship derives from Louise's jealousy at John being more widely recognized and his devotion to changing the world. He's involved in labor strikes and quick to leave for a story.

Interspersed throughout the movie are quick interviews with people that knew the actual John Reed. It lends credence to the story, making this almost like a documentary. These interviews provide a different perspective of Reed as they don't all agree. Some admire him, others find him exhausting.

I assumed this would be more about Reed's cause and less about the relationship, though that depiction does provide insight. Reed's ideals always come first. He manages to convince her to travel to Russia as a revolution nears. As he tells her, part of journalism is being in the right place at the right time. Their time spent in Russia is a huge boost to both of their careers. Reed later goes back to Russia despite Louise stating doing so would be the end of their relationship. Reed believes in the cause and wants to start a socialist party in America. He hopes going to Russia will bolster the movement.

Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty play Eugene O'Neill, John Reed

This movie is notable for not portraying socialists as the villains. That was common during the time. While supporters faced persecution during the time period depicted, many artists were blacklisted during the 50s which is a time more commonly associated with the Red Scare. This movie released during the Cold War where Russia and its politics were still a frightening enemy.

John Reed isn't a scary socialist or communist. He's a man that believes in the power of the people. I like what this movie represents and its ideas more than I like the actual movie. This movie isn't trying to convert anyone, and maybe that's the point. It wants to create a spark, hoping we'll do our own research.