About the film (courtesy of Lionsgate):
Based on the real scandal, Bombshell is a revealing look inside the most powerful and controversial media empire of all time; Fox News, and the explosive story of the women who brought down the infamous man who created it. Starring Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, John Lithgow and Margot Robbie. Directed by Jay Roach.
Timing is everything and the aptly titled Bombshell looks to shed light on the dark side of a big-business news media mogul in this explosive biopic. Director Jay Roach, the man who brought you Austin Powers, brings captivating coverage to a story that only recently fell out of the spotlight. Roach chronicles the spectacular fall from grace of now-former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) and, in the process, gives audiences an entertaining time out at the movie theater.
Following in the footsteps of other recent Holllywood hits that tell grim stories of American history and scandal through the lens of entertainment such as The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), The Big Short (2015) and Vice (2018). Bombshell brings forth an unflinching narrative of the constant and continued objectification and harassment of women in the workplace. Roach went out and secured an exquisite display of talent of which to recount this bizarre trail of events.
A barely recognizable Charlize Theron stars as Megyn Kelly with Nicole Kidman (portraying Gretchen Carlson) and Margot Robbie (portraying Kayla Pospisil) completing the trinity of pivotal characters. John Lithgow is equally as unrecognizable in his robust role if it weren’t for his distinguishable voice. The portly pro goes all out in transforming himself completely to capture the likeness of his portrayal. The makeup extraordinaires really earned their wages for what they are able to create in Bombshell. Illusion is everything.
The amazing ensemble of actors and actresses help to paint a very vivid picture of what went down only a few short years ago. In addition to the names previously mentioned, the parade of recognizable performers include Mark Duplass, Allison Janney, Stephen Root, Connie Britton, Kate McKinnon, Malcolm McDowell, Jennifer Morrison, Alice Eve, Tricia Helfer and Ashley Greene. It’s like watching some awards show. I’m guessing that, due to the subject matter of Bombshell, agents were crawling over themselves to get their clients the briefest of screen time if only to say that they were a part of this.
And even if you don’t know the story of what Bombshell is about, everything is laid out for you to be well-informed along the way. There are parts to laugh at, others to evoke sympathy and some that’ll straight up piss you off. It really is unimaginable what some people are expected to endure just to have an opportunity to thrive. Coming in under two hours (108 minutes to be exact) is pretty impressive considering all that this drama covers. And worry not, the plot doesn’t get too terribly political one way or the other.
Bombshell is good choice to see in theaters as the Holiday season quickly approaches. Be prepared for a different type of shock and awe in theaters starting December 20th, with early showing the day before.
