By Kelsey Martyn-Farewell

pop writer

"Nothing but the Truth" is a political drama loosely inspired by the real life leak of Valerie Plame Wilson's CIA operative status by journalist Judy Miller.

The film follows Rachel Armstrong, a Washington, D.C., reporter, as she publishes a story that reveals the identity of a CIA agent and then faces jail time when she won't reveal her source.

This star-studded cast shines through the film. Kate Beckinsale ("Underworld") excels as Armstrong, especially when you realize how little dialog her character is actually given. Her performance is made in her moments of silence and reaction.

Her husband Ray is played by David Schwimmer ("Friends"). Matt Dillon ("Crash") plays Patton Dubois, the special prosecutor in charge of finding the source at all costs. Vera Farmiga ("The Boy in the Striped Pajamas") plays the CIA agent, Erica Van Doren. Angela Bassett, Alan Alda and Noah Wyle round out the rest of the cast, each giving stellar performances.

There are two parts to this story. First, the main storyline is the one that follows Armstrong. Her story gains momentum when it becomes apparent she could go to jail for refusing to reveal her source for the sake of journalistic integrity. But this places a toll on her son and husband, who are forced to go on without her while she is behind bars.

Second, there is a underlying storyline that follows the CIA agent, Van Doren, in her attempt to find the source and protect her family. She is put through the ringer when the CIA suspects she leaked the information. Both women must decide whether they will be a mother or professional first.

Overall, the message of this film is about the First Amendment. In our post 9-11 world with the Patriot Act, to what lengths can and should the government go to keep information like this from leaking and find the secret sources who reveal this treasonous information? Is there an end to the lengths the government should go in the name of national security?

Regardless of the answers, the film shows without doubt there is always a human cost. The film is about standing up for integrity without fear and in the face of persecution.

Writer and director Rod Lurie ("The Contender") created a captivating story with this film. As a former journalist and army man, Lurie brought a point of view to journalistic integrity juxtaposed against the political landscape. His choices for this film were fascinating to me, especially his casting choices for the judge, who is a professional judge, and Dillon as Dubois.

There is a feature commentary track with the Lurie and the producer, some deleted scenes and a behind the scenes feature called "The Truth Hurts: The Making of Nothing but the Truth."

For a drama that will put your convictions to the test and see who the source turns out to be, check out "Nothing but the Truth" on DVD today. You can find it in your local store's new releases section.

Send your comments, questions and DVD recommendations to Kelsey at pop@normantranscript.com.