About the film (courtesy of Warner Bros.):
Directed by Clint Eastwood and based on true events, Richard Jewell is a story of what happens when what is reported as fact obscures the truth. “There is a bomb in Centennial Park. You have thirty minutes.” The world is first introduced to Richard Jewell as the security guard who reports finding the device at the 1996 Atlanta bombing—his report making him a hero whose swift actions save countless lives. But within days, the law enforcement wannabe becomes the FBI’s number one suspect, vilified by press and public alike, his life ripped apart. Reaching out to independent, anti-establishment attorney Watson Bryant, Jewell staunchly professes his innocence. But Bryant finds he is out of his depth as he fights the combined powers of the FBI, GBI and APD to clear his client’s name, while keeping Richard from trusting the very people trying to destroy him.
For a lot of us, 1996 wasn’t THAT long ago (or at least it doesn’t seem like it) and the events that transpired in Atlanta during the Summer Olympics are still relatively fresh in our minds. The general consensus is that most of us remember the broad strokes, the headlines if you will. The details and facts are what have become muddied as time has gone by. Clint Eastwood aims to give a refresher course on the history of the domestic act of terrorism in his latest feature, Richard Jewell.
It should come as a very little surprise that Clint Eastwood has constructed another gripping movie that is sure to capture the attention of the masses. Richard Jewell is very deserving of any accolades or consideration it receives as 2019 comes to an end. The 129 minute biopic about a security guard turned-hero-turned-public-enemy-Number-One checks the boxes in all of the important categories.
Starting with a story ripped right from the headlines, audiences won’t be able to help themselves as the story plays out. Assisting greatly in its storytelling are some excellent performances that add much needed substance and emotional depth to many of its characters. Paul Walter Hauser is outstanding as the lead character. As the plot expands, you can’t help but to feel emotionally attached to what Jewell went through. Kathy Bates plays his mother and she comes through in a big way with an inspired supporting performance.
Sam Rockwell has certainly elevated his game in his last few films and this is no exception. By providing a snarky, yet smart aspect to this feature, viewers will appreciate the subtle humor he offers throughout. A couple of other names worth mentioning are Jon Hamm and Olivia Wilde. They both give polarizing performances that are needed to help progress the story. But some of this does not come without its share of controversy, Olivia Wilde’s character in particular. There’s usually three sides to every story; side A, side B and then there’s the truth which lies somewhere in between. It would be impossible to recount this true story without a few strong disagreements on what actually transpired.
Richard Jewell is a top notch piece of work from a great director with an incredible cast. This movie is very much a recommend from me and I can’t think of one reason to tell you not to see it. You can check it out in theaters right now.
