The Virginia Theatre sold out tonight for Nothing But the Truth, easily the biggest draw of Ebertfest 2009, due to the big name stars in the film and Matt Dillon’s presence at the screening. The theatre was full a half hour before the start of the movie, and by the time Rod Lurie’s overlooked film began every seat in the house was full. The ambiance in the theatre was infections; people were abuzz about what was about to be shown. The fact that nobody had seen the film made it even more compelling to sit back and enjoy an experience that nearly everyone was experiencing for the first time.

Chaz Ebert expressed the feelings of everyone in the audience when she proclaimed, “Here we have a film that I’m sure you have not seen!” Nothing But the Truth was released last year, yet its distributor was a victim of the economic crisis and thus the film was lost in the shuffle of monetary panic. Ebert, in his introduction for the film, expressed that he felt that if the film had received a bigger theatrical release it would have been a box office hit, as well as an Academy Award Nominee. It is easy to agree with the man of golden thumbs: the cast was absolutely terrific. Kate Beckinsale, Vera Farmiga, Matt Dillon, Alan Alda, Angela Bassett, David Schwimmer and others all tackled challenging roles with gusto and bravery to spare, and the film seemed to be a resounding success.

The story of a journalist (Beckinsale) who outs a CIA operative (Farmiga) and refuses to reveal her source was resonant in a time where freedom of speech comes into question constantly. Beckinsale’s Rachel spends a horrendous amount of time in jail for her refusal to pinpoint her source, yet her courage and principle are never questioned. Farmiga, in particular, does a stunning job at portraying a woman whose world comes crumbling down when she essentially has done nothing to deserve it. She spits insults at Beckinsale with the venom of a cornered snake, yet the audience is meant to simultaneously feel sorry for her.

At the close of the film director Rod Lurie and Matt Dillon sat alongside film scholar and writer David Bordwell for a question and answer session. While pointless, fun questions such as “Mr. Dillon, where are you staying?” were asked, there were also moments of criticism and praise for the controversial film, especially its twist ending.

Lurie, upon being asked why women in politics interest him so much (as his other work includes woman-centered Commander in Chief and the sadly overlooked The Contender), responded by saying that his daughter asked him one night why women don’t run for presidential office. After this question Lurie realized that he wanted to make films that would give his daughter aspirations. “How far will we go before our principles destroy us?” asked Lurie, adding that politically controversial men like Ali and Gandhi are praised and such applause is not typically given to women, which is troubling. Lurie went on to add that women are especially interesting because in addition to their strength they have a motherly, nurturing instinct that is never lost.

Interestingly enough, the idea for Nothing But the Truth came from an episode of Commander in Chief that Lurie never got to write, as he was fired from the number one rated show and replaced by Stephen Bochco. Lurie has wanted to incorporate a narrative about a woman standing up against the government’s denial of free speech for quite some time, and with Nothing But the Truth he successfully and entertainingly gets his point across.

Dillon was attracted to the film because of its “glamorous appeal” and the fact that Lurie’s script was “well written with well developed characters.” Dillon received much praise from the audience for his performance in the film, yet became defensive when a woman claimed that the women in the film were more fleshed-out than the men. Dillon thought his character was just as complex as his women counterparts, and it seemed like the audience was on his side. Dillon joked at one point that he thought the film’s controversial ending should be different, which inspired claps, prompting him to immediately quip, “I was just kidding!” The ending of the film inspired much debate, but no matter what one’s stance is, the film sure was powerful.

The Q & A ended with Dillon being asked to sign numerous copies of You, Me, and Dupree DVDs, which was sad, seeing as he has been in so many better movies over the course of his career.

Nothing But the Truth comes out on DVD Tuesday, April 28th. Check it out. It’s taut, enthralling, and well-made.