In November 2019, Prince Andrew decided to partake in a seemingly open-ended interview with BBC Newsnight, a decision that left many taken aback and questioning the judgement of his PR team. Thinking they had managed his image perfectly, the horrified reaction to his comments only highlighted how out of touch he was. As described by Charlie Proctor, editor-in-chief of Royal Central, the outcome was disastrous, comparable to a horrific multi-layered catastrophe.
The intriguing movie “Scoop," directed by Philip Martin, provides an insight into how this interview fiasco unfolded. The film showcases Sam McAlister (Billie Piper), portrayed as a junior producer on BBC Newsnight, who bagged the princely guest. McAlister, known for welcoming 'un-gettable' guests, proposes this audacious idea of interviewing Prince Andrew, embroiled in controversy due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Amanda Thirsk (Keeley Hawes), Prince Andrew's closest aide, becomes drawn in by the idea, thus setting the stage for behind-the-scenes negotiation. The sudden news of Epstein's suicide alters the gravity of the interview, now secured by McAlister, who specifically requests Emily Maitlis (Gillian Anderson) to conduct it.
The movie brilliantly captures the ensuing panic and disbelief during the interview from behind the camera. McAlister’s shock transpires into the realization of how terribly the interview was going. Yet, the story carries impelling force scene-by-scene with Sam’s tenacity and resolve pushing it forward.
At the same time, "Scoop" gives viewers a glimpse into Prince Andrew's natural habitat. Rufus Sewell's portrayal of Andrew is both persuasive and disquerying, portraying him as a brash, slightly pathetic character who overestimates his own appeal.
In between these scenes, the action takes us behind the scenes of the BBC, stylised as the underdog by the audacious booking agent, Sam. She manages to secure what many would term 'the interview of the century,' resulting in the film being an unanticipated tribute to producers.
"Scoop” is based on very recent history and while we may all already be aware of the controversial interview, it's the details, the untold behind-the-scenes stories that capture our interest. Amidst this, a poignant moment occurs when Sam's mindful gaze falls on a group of giggling teenage girls on a bus ride home. The underlying reason for the interview, the stories of Epstein's victims, spirals back into focus. It is a stark reminder; the interview was not just an expose of a distant prince but a grim narrative of the elite exploiting the vulnerable.
