Is Richard Jewell Worth Watching

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Richard Jewell is a based-on-a-true-story film by Clint Eastwood about the bombing of the 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta Georgia. More specifically, it centers around the titular character of Jewell who was the security guard on duty who discovered the bomb. As the investigation continued, the FBI and the media placed all their suspicion on Jewell as the bomber who was trying to earn respect and recognition by planting a bomb then playing the hero. Although eventually exonerated, the investigation turned his life into a nightmare, and he was persecuted by the national and global media without cause. The film itself it quite well made. Clint Eastwood is an exceptional filmmaker. Paul Walter Hauser, who plays Jewell, did an outstanding job as the overzealous guard looking for a big break. However, the real top performance of the movie was given by Sam Rockwell, who plays Jewell’s lawyer. There was a controversy after its release that liberties were taken with several of the characters’ stories, especially one involving a reporter trading sex for tips; an anecdote that seems to have no basis in reality. I was surprised after watching this that I’d never even known the bombing happened.

Rating: B – Good


Movie Title: Richard Jewell

Release Date: 12/13/19

Genre: Biography

Where to Watch: Rent

Run Time: 129 minutes

Rating: R

Director: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Paul Walter Hauser; Sam Rockwell; Kathy Bates; Jon Hamm; Olivia Wilde

Production Company: Malpaso Productions; Appian Way Productions; Misher Films; 75 Year Plan Productions

Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures


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