Richard Jewell - Review Thread

To put it lightly, we live in interesting times these days. The two most powerful entities that Sam Rockwell's character discusses in this film are the United States government and the media, and due to Donald Trump's constant belittling of all media coverage about him that isn't spun in a positive light, these two factions are seemingly at war with one another. Sure, there have been many moments throughout time that the two sides have been on opposite sides, often with the government looking to prevent the truth from reaching the public and the media looking to do just that. But there is perhaps nothing more terrifying than having both of those powerful entities teaming up and going after not just a group, but an individual. In his latest film, Richard Jewell, director Clint Eastwood examines this nightmare scenario based on the real-life 1996 case of Richard Jewell, a security guard who uncovered a bomb in Atlanta's Centennial Park during the Olympics. At first Jewell was made out to be the heroic figure who saved hundreds of lives, but suddenly the government and media flipped the narrative and claimed that it was in fact Jewell who planted the bomb in order to live out the fantasy of being the man who saved the day. It's a fascinating look at what happens when wild accusations are thrown around and how when both the government and media are working against something can do so without being held accountable to have any evidence to back up their claims. It's obviously still a story that resonates today, and Eastwood's film is worth the look for its wonderful performances by its ensemble cast and thoughtful depiction of corruption in the wake of tragedy.

Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) is a security guard with dreams of being in law enforcement. He's more than a little bit much in his previous jobs, including working as a campus police officer at a small college and being reprimanded for going so far as to pull students over on the highway. He dutifully tells the audience throughout the film that he grew up raised to respect law enforcement, and this unwavering allegiance to authority coupled with his desire to join their ranks is what both makes him a hero and also an easy victim for those same authorities to point the blame at. While working security for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, he brushes aside the other officers' dismissal of a suspicious backpack as nothing of interest and discovers that inside the bag are a set of large pipe bombs. Despite his and the other officers' best efforts, the bombs go off, killing a couple of people and injuring hundreds, though without the insightfulness of Jewell the casualties would've been far worse. At first he's trumpeted as an American hero, much to the delight of his mother Bobi (Kathy Bates), whom he still lives with. But suddenly the narrative shifts, and FBI agent Tom Shaw (Jon Hamm) and journalist Kathy Scruggs (Olivia Wilde) have now pinned Jewell as the prime suspect in the bombing. It's a shock to Richard, who can't help himself from aiding his idols at the FBI to help with whatever they need to clear his name, unknowing that they're looking to frame him at every turn. Jewell then turns to the only attorney he knows, Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell), to help clear his name in the face of immense public scrutiny all concocted by the government and media.

Eastwood is no stranger to real-life subjects as the bases for his films, and as it has in the past with films like American Sniper and Sully this works to both the strength and detriment of Richard Jewell. Jewell is actually a very likable an interesting subject, frustrating his attorney and mother while dutifully acquiescing the FBI, seemingly ignorant of the fact their mission is for him to take the fall. He never quite knows when to stop talking, and it leads to some admittedly humorous exchanges as a result. The cast all around is absolutely terrific, nailing each of their respective characters and providing levity to such a serious subject matter. The film is certainly effective in pointing out the recklessness that both the government and media can operate with when going unchecked, and Eastwood does a strong job of taking what little suspense and espionage he can with a case that the audience knows the entire time Jewell isn't guilty of and falling back on these themes of corruption. I suppose that's where the only real issue with the film lies; it loses steam in the third act when it's clear Jewell is innocent and that the corrupt tandem of the government and media isn't going to be able to frame him. This goes back to my point that while Richard Jewell's story is certainly a remarkable one, there's also only so far that it can go, and while it makes for a highly compelling two acts the excitement softens substantially as the film heads into its climactic scenes. Still, Eastwood is certainly operating in his element here, and while Richard Jewell might not be the Oscar contender it was billed as, there's a lot to enjoy here thanks to excellent work by the cast and tackling its theme with thoughtful examination.

7/10