Richard Jewell - A Movie Review

No matter what, always fight for your rights.

Richard Jewell is a 2019 film based off on the 1996 Centennial Park bombing. At first, Richard Jewell is looked upon as a hero for his actions as a security guard, until the media believes that he is the villain behind the crime. Fighting for his right, Jewell is met with endless battles.

Before watching this movie, I never knew anything about the story behind the events or Richard Jewell. This film is a grueling depiction of a figure in history who was wrongly accused. Richard Jewell is a well-acted story about never giving up when all hope feels lost.

The first thing that I have to say about Paul Walter Hauser’s performance as Richard Jewell is where was his nomination for Best Actor at this year’s Academy Awards?? Hauser was spectacular in his depiction of a man who has bad qualities, is too nice for his own good, and repressing emotions. Jewell did not get a lot of respect. I could feel the weight on his heart from these wrongful accusations.

Hauser outdid himself, specifically in scenes where he is running around Centennial Park trying to get everyone to safety. His raw moment where he finally lets loose the emotions that he forces himself to conceal is well-acted. Appearance plays an enormous part in this film. Even though everyone was not on Jewell’s side, he kept fighting for his name to be cleared.

Kathy Bates earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress as Richard’s loyal mother, Bobi Jewell. I have to admit that I was skeptical at first, but after witnessing Bates’ emotional performance she very much deserved it. Their mother-son relationship was endearing. I also like how the film showed the tough moments in their relationship, specifically how the events affected them.

Sam Rockwell impresses me more and more with what he can do to completely change himself no matter what role he has. I believe that he should have deserved a nomination for his incredible depiction as Richard’s lawyer, Watson Bryant. He endlessly fought for Jewell’s innocence. Despite Jewell’s bad qualities about himself, Watson never looked down upon him.

Other credits include John Hamm, Olivia Wilde, Nina Arianda, Ian Gomez, Wayne Duvall, Dylan Kussman, and Mike Pniewski. Richard Jewell is a very well-acted picture, however, at times, those who were in the villainous roles were portrayed a little over the top. The FBI was portrayed in a negative light, wrongfully deceiving Jewell in their treatment.

After researching more into the film, I feel like filmmakers should have given the late Kathy Scruggs a pseudonym or not have included her character altogether. Aside from an emotional moment in her arc, Scruggs was wrongfully depicted especially after her death in 2001.

It takes a few moments for the film to get into the story, and once it does my heart was pounding in the scene of the bombing in Centennial Park. Based on remarkable editing and an accurate depiction of a sensitive topic the film drives home with escalating emotion.

Clint Eastwood did not miss a beat in his incredible focus in his direction. He could have had a better approach to a couple of depictions with characters, but he brought out a story that needed to be told. Camera angles, editing, and subtle moments made up for a riveting film.

If you have not seen Richard Jewell, I greatly recommend that you do. It’s emotional, entertaining, but it had its funny moments. Everyone has a story that needs to be told.

Thank you, Richard Jewell, for your courage and important message.