Mr. Jones (2020)

About Mr. Jones

A political thriller biographical drama directed by Agnieszka Holland. The film explores the life of Gareth Jones, a Welsh journalist, who journeys to the Soviet Union in 1933 to unmask the truth about the Holodomor, the genocidal famine engineered by the tyrant Joseph Stalin.

Making / Production

Mr. Jones was predominantly filmed in the Ukraine, with additional scenes shot in Scotland. Director Agnieszka Holland strived for accuracy by recreating the haunting scenes of 1930s Soviet Union.

Actors

• James Norton embodies the role of Gareth Jones. He portrays an admirable mixture of courage and tenacity as he seeks to unveil the truth.
• Vanessa Kirby plays Ada Brooks, a foreign advisor to Lloyd George, who helps Garrett in his mission.
• Peter Sarsgaard depicts Walter Duranty, a duplicitous Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The New York Times.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was premiered at the 2019 Berlin International Film Festival.
• Mr. Jones marks the third collaboration between director Agnieszka Holland and James Norton.

Awards

While not a recipient of major international awards, Mr. Jones has garnered considerable critical acclaim, particularly at various film festivals.

Quotes

• "The story must out." - Gareth Jones
• "We have the power to change things." - Ada Brooks
• "People believe what they want to believe." - Walter Duranty

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's haunting score is composed by Antoni Komasa-Łazarkiewicz.
• Music plays a key role in setting the tense and dramatic tone of the film.