During a concert for the opening of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, security guard, Richard Jewell, a wannabe police officer discovers a pipe bomb in a bag.
Managing to avert disaster by getting people out the way, before it explodes, he becomes an overnight hero.
The FBI, believing it to be ‘too coincidental’ – start to investigate him, believing him responsible.
He enlists his long time friend, Watson Bryant to represent him, and the pair go about to clear his name.
Direction
Directed by the legendary Clint Eastwood, this biographical film has stellar performances from all involved.
While I don’t recall Eastwood doing this with other biographical films, he uses snips of real life as well as that he created for the audience. He once again chose character and narrative over spectacle. There are only really small moments where the b*mbing occurs that are considered “action”.
Cast/Characters
Paul Walter Hauser plays the real life Jewell. Hauser is usually adept at comedy films, but absolutely nails the role of the unlucky man. Two key moments he gave awe inspiring moments; are the “I’m me” speech he gives to Bryant, and his speech to the FBI later in the film about ‘why would people help’ if this is the thanks they get.
Sam Rockwell, who always delivers plays Bryant, the one person who is trying to save the reputation of Jewell.
Kathy Bates gives an Oscar worthy (nominated, but not winning) as Bobi Jewell, Richard’s loving mother.
Jon Hamm plays the FBI agent who vows to bring Richard to justice, never once believing his innocence.
Olivia Wild plays the role of the journalist that helped the world discover “who Richard Jewell” is.
Breakdown
Based on a true story, we first meet Richard in 1986 when he is working with Watson, and the two develop a friendship. It isn’t until a decade later, when Richard is investigated in the bombing that the friendship is reignited when Watson begins to represent Richard.
While some films struggle with pacing, and keeping the audience engaged, this does not struggle. This includes scenes of slight comedic moments (Richard being friendly to the FBI, and Watson telling him “not to talk”). The many guns of Richard (well this is Georgia).
The characters each are well written, as most are based on real life people.
- Watson Bryant, the real life Lawyer who represented Jewell. His ‘investigations’ early on lead him to know that Jewell was innocent
- Nadya Bryant, who becomes friendly with Bobi throughout the ordeal.
- Kathy Scruggs, the journalist who dropped the story of the FBI investigating Jewell. Sadly she possibly unalived herself in 2001, for the role she played in Jewell’s investigation. Her discovery of Richard’s innocence in the film comes a little too late.
- Bobi and Richard Jewell, of course are the main two cast, with Bates giving one of her most powerful performances – especially in two moments one where she breaks down with Richard (and he vows to fight back), and the other when she is talking to all the journalists and her voice breaks. This earned her Oscar nomination.
Hamm’s FBI agent was “created” for the film with his character coldly apathetic towards Jewell and Watson throughout the entire film.
He has many moments with Hauser, and the FBI do their best to try to make Richard confess, often at times sly, and out of sight of his attorney. One such moment is when they are trying to make him “pretend” to sign a waiver – but have him ‘actually’ sign it.
Even after all the evidence showed he could not have, and did not plant the b*mb, he is relentless in his approach. I would have liked to see a scene of him after the real b*mber was arrested. Hamm does such a great job of hating him, and this is credit to his performance.
All the cast are just fantastic, especially given the real lives that this film introduced us to. Sadly the real Richard Jewell passed away at the tender age of 44.
Overall
Wonderful film, with amazing performances, assisted by the direction by Eastwood.
Richard’s story, is complemented to the nth degree by the performance of Hauser, and we genuinely enjoy his presence on screen.
A strong recommend.
4/5
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