"Richard Jewell" is about the titular American security guard who discovered a bomb in Centennial Park before it exploded during the 1996 Summer Olympics Games in Atlanta. Jewell, like most of director Clint Eastwood's characters, is a real, ordinary man who becomes a hero who has to combat the evils of society.
Did the movie portray Jewell with justice? Yes and no.
The acting is a sight to see in this drama based on a true story, but the movie is yet another political vehicle for Eastwood to a point of annoyance.
From the start of the movie, viewers know Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) is an observant supply manager when he restocks lawyer Watson Bryant's office drawer and Snickers stash. After witnessing his talents, Bryant (Sam Rockwell) coins the nickname "Radar" for Jewell. Flash forward a little bit and Jewell is a college security officer, a job in which he's fired from after a year. Fast forward more, and Jewell is preparing for his security shift at the 1996 Summer Olympics celebratory concert in Centennial Park as his mom Bobi (Kathy Bates) offers words of encouragement and pride. Other officials like FBI agent Tom Shaw (John Hamm) and Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Kathy Scruggs (Olivia Wilde) are also ready to cover the concert, though not as eagerly as Jewell.
RICHARD JEWELL - Official Trailer [HD]www.youtube.com
During his shift on his second day, Jewell discovers a pipe bomb and encourages guests to evacuate the area with other security personnel. The bomb explodes with bloody results, but Jewell is hailed a hero until news breaks that the FBI is investigating Jewell as a potential bombing suspect because he fits the profile of a wannabe cop who plans an attack for glory and praise in the end. The following events track the grueling battle Jewell, his mom and his friend and lawyer Bryant against a raging war with media and government agencies.
The acting was engaging to watch. Walter Houser is absolutely phenomenal as Jewell, especially when his character transforms from a doormat who respected authority to someone who isn't afraid to question the law. Though he's the star, Bates and Rockwell easily steal the spotlight. Bates' Bobi pleas to clear her son's name in a press conference scene that can move audiences to tears, while Rockwell's Bryant is appropriately honest and hilarious when Jewell continues describing multiple quirks that make him look guiltier by the minute. A sticker blurred behind Bryant in his office states everything viewers need to know about him: "I fear the government more than I fear terrorism."
While the acting is a treat, the right-wing political undertones make this story that celebrates a hero feel like propaganda promoting awareness of corrupt officials and fake news.
Just like "Sully," Eastwood takes an American hero and warps the story for politics. Jewell wants to protect citizens and uphold the law even if he doesn't have an official badge. A couple of times, he's portrayed too submissively or too idiotically to the point where it feels unbelievable. He also owns more guns than necessary, but as the movie states "it's Georgia."
His compliant personality is supposed to make people hate other characters like Hamm's deceitful Agent Shaw and Wilde's overly ambitious Scruggs, who each represent corrupt government officials and fake news media, respectively. And honestly, it works. Whenever both Hamm and Wilde are on screen, it's eye-roll worthy.
And if flowing politics into the storyline wasn't enough. It feels like Eastwood is injecting himself into Watson Bryant through his reactions to society. One can only imagine that's what's going on in Eastwood's head, but frankly, this movie gives a clearer picture on his thoughts than Jewell's story.
"Richard Jewell" gets a 5/10 stars.
Follow Samantha on Twitter at @_SamI520.
