Richard Jewell Review: A Worthy Hero Gets Some Lazy Villains

By
EUGENE
128
1774

Richard Jewell Review: A Worthy Hero Gets Some Lazy Villains

Richard Jewell has a fascinating story. A security guard working the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Jewell discovered a bomb in Centennial Park and his quick-thinking and hard work helped saved lives. However, Jewell became the center of the investigation merely because he fit the profile of the “hero bomber.” Jewell’s life was turned upside down by the FBI and the media, and those are two institutions that need to be explored. The problem with Clint Eastwood’s new movie, Richard Jewell, is that as good as it is at showing Jewell’s heroism thanks to an outstanding performance from lead actor Paul Walter Hauser, for Eastwood, movies about heroes need villains, and Richard Jewell has some piss-poor villainy. Similar to Eastwood’s previous movie Sully, the bad guys are cartoonish caricatures meant to elicit sympathy for our hero while avoiding nuance, which is fine if you’re making a superhero movie for kids, but not so much when your film is ostensibly for adults. Paired with Eastwood’s cold, limp direction, Richard Jewell comes off as a story worth telling, but one that needed a better storyteller.

In 1986 in Atlanta, office supply manager Richard Jewell (Hauser) befriends small business attorney Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell), but the two eventually drift apart when Richard leaves the attorney’s office to work as a campus security guard. Ten years later, Richard is working security at Centennial Park during the 1996 Summer Olympics when he discovers a bomb. Working with other officers, Richard is able to save hundreds of lives. However, the FBI, led by agent Tom Shaw (Jon Hamm), looks at Richard with suspicion and then Tom shares those suspicions with Atlanta Journal Constitution reporter Kathy Scruggs (Olivia Wilde), who trades sex for information. With the media and the FBI allied against him, Richard calls on Watson’s help and the two must stand against a system looking to railroad an innocent man.

There are two stories happening within Richard Jewell, but only one of them works. The one that works well is a story about a man who reveres law enforcement and genuinely wants to join their ranks only to be belittled and persecuted by that very system. It’s here in a story about your heroes not only letting you down but working against you that Richard Jewell has an interesting angle bolstered further by Hauser’s performance. To the film’s credit, Richard Jewell doesn’t try to paint its title character as a victim/saint, but rather a flawed man who’s sweet and a bit simple to the point where he doesn’t seem to grasp how much trouble he’s in. That tragedy comes alive thanks to Hauser’s emotional performance that rarely needs to go big in order to convey the character’s hurt and betrayal. You truly get the sense that Hauser wants to do right by Jewell not because he was a perfect man, but because he was a good man who, through no fault of his own, landed in serious jeopardy.

Unfortunately, that leads to the other story, which is about injustice, and Richard Jewell has no idea how to handle that one. If you’re looking for a story about injustice, then yes, what happened to Richard Jewell was supremely unjust. However, the way it plays in Eastwood’s film falls back to a problem of interpersonal relationships and bad actors removed from context and therefore reduced to dumb luck. For Richard Jewell, the FBI isn’t the problem; Tom Shaw is just a bad agent. Not all journalists are bad, but our main one, Kathy Scruggs, is ambitious, reckless, and cared more about applause than the truth (it should be noted here that people who worked with Scruggs take umbrage with her depiction). Even if you buy into the notion of bad actors, the way they’re depicted here is so shallow and one-dimensional that it renders their appearance comical and cheap. The gravitas of the situation is undermined by straw men rather than a mature look at how institutions fail.

I have no idea how Eastwood sees this picture in a larger context, or if he does at all. But art does not exist in a vacuum, and Eastwood, at this point in time and in this political climate, chose to tell a story about nefarious FBI agents and nefarious journalists teaming up to tear apart the life of an innocent white guy. I don’t know if Eastwood has a bone to pick with the FBI or the media or if Billy Ray’s script just renders these institutions as flat as the characters of Tom Shaw and Kathy Scruggs. But what I do know is that if you’re trying to tell a story about flawed institutions, this story doesn’t have the maturity to handle it. And if you’re trying to tell a story about injustice, then this feels like the All Lives Matter version of When They See Us, which understands that there are larger systemic forces at play than a couple of bad apples.

https://collider.com

Setting politics aside, these issues are inevitable when a director doesn’t seem to take much care with the material. Richard Jewell was made in a matter of six months, and while the project itself has been in development for far longer, Eastwood’s take feels rushed and thoughtless. There are some choices that work, like having long stretches of the film take place in Richard’s home to show the character’s claustrophobia and being trapped by his situation, but so much of the cinematography and scoring feels phoned in and obvious. Hauser is the main spark of life holding everything together, but so much of the movie feels haphazardly cobbled together. For example, in the leadup to discovering the bomb, there’s absolutely no tension. There is, however, a macarena dance number in case you forgot the 1996 Summer Olympics took place in 1996.

No Idea Don Toliver

Richard Jewell is emblematic of a large problem with Eastwood at this stage in his directing career, which his that he largely makes bland hero stories as a hobby. At best, you might get some stylish propaganda with a strong lead performance like American Sniper, but more likely you’ll get something like Sully, which rips from the headlines to show a hero who is persecuted by the system yet perseveres thanks to being the hero. Eastwood’s movies don’t really demand more than that of their audience, and they certainly aren’t demanding him to surprise us as a director, which is a shame when you’re working with rich material like you have with Richard Jewell. Ultimately, it feels like a waste and like the point of Richard Jewell isn’t to provide insight into its main character or institutional failure, but rather to give Eastwood something to do in his twilight years.

Richard Jewell Review: A Worthy Hero Gets Some Lazy Villains

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

128 COMMENTS

  1. Hello there, just became alert to your weblog thru Google, and found that it’s really informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I will be grateful for those who continue this in future. Numerous folks might be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!|

  6. When I initially commented I clicked the -Inform me when brand-new comments are included- checkbox and also currently each time a remark is added I obtain four e-mails with the very same remark. Is there any way you can remove me from that solution? Thanks!

  7. Hey are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you require any coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!|

  9. I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this site. Studying this info So i am glad to convey that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I so much indisputably will make sure to do not forget this website and give it a glance on a relentless basis.

  10. It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this submit and if I may I want to suggest you few attention-grabbing things or suggestions. Maybe you could write subsequent articles relating to this article. I want to read more issues approximately it!

  11. I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  12. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your blog. You have some really good posts and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Regards!|

  13. I think other site proprietors should take this website as an model, very clean and magnificent user genial style and design, let alone the content. You are an expert in this topic!

  15. Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info much. I was seeking this particular information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.|

  19. Howdy would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!|

  20. Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to grasp a lot approximately this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something. I think that you just can do with some to drive the message home a little bit, however other than that, this is magnificent blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.|

  23. Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!|

  25. Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored at work so I decided to browse your website on my iphone during lunch break. I love the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, awesome site!|

  26. Hi this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  28. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would really benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Thanks!|

  31. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.|

  36. I just couldn’t depart your website before suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often to check up on new posts

  37. Wonderful site. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to a few friends ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks for your effort!

  38. Thank you, I have recently been looking for info approximately this subject for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered till now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?

  44. I simply wanted to say thanks all over again. I do not know what I would’ve made to happen in the absence of the entire information provided by you about that situation. Entirely was an absolute troublesome problem for me, however , finding out your specialised avenue you processed the issue made me to weep over happiness. I will be happier for your work and even wish you realize what an amazing job you happen to be getting into instructing other individuals through your website. Most likely you have never got to know all of us.

  47. You actually make it appear really easy along with your presentation however I in finding this matter to be actually one thing that I believe I’d never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely large for me. I’m taking a look ahead in your next post, I will try to get the cling of it!|

  48. The following time I check out a blog site, I hope that it does not disappoint me as long as this set. I indicate, I know it was my selection to read, but I actually assumed youd have something fascinating to state. All I listen to is a number of whining concerning something that you could repair if you werent too hectic searching for focus.

  49. If You are looking to dial within your Instagram advertising and marketing approach when it comes to followers and sales opportunities,profilemate is how to go. It’s an Instagram marketing software package application that analyzes the accounts you adhere to, the accounts that abide by you, as well as the accounts you most likely needs to be subsequent.

  50. We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our entire community will be grateful to you.|

  52. Can I just say what an alleviation to locate a person that in fact knows what theyre discussing on the web. You certainly know exactly how to bring an issue to light and also make it crucial. Even more people require to read this as well as understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not a lot more preferred due to the fact that you certainly have the present.

  56. I do trust all of the concepts you’ve presented on your post. They are really convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very brief for beginners. May you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.|

  58. Wow! This can be one particular of the most useful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Great. I’m also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.

  59. My programmer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a number of websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform. I have heard good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!

  62. Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info much. I was seeking this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  66. Thank you a lot for providing individuals with an exceptionally breathtaking opportunity to read from this blog. It is always so terrific plus stuffed with fun for me personally and my office co-workers to visit your site at least 3 times weekly to find out the newest guides you will have. And indeed, I’m certainly pleased for the tremendous tricks you give. Some two tips in this post are unequivocally the most beneficial we’ve had.

  67. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author. I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will come back down the road. I want to encourage one to continue your great job, have a nice evening!|

  68. Thanks, I’ve recently been searching for information about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I have came upon till now. However, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you certain concerning the supply?

  69. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

  74. Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will come back someday. I want to encourage you continue your great job, have a nice afternoon!

  80. I do not even know how I ended up here, however I assumed this post used to be great. I don’t realize who you might be however definitely you are going to a well-known blogger for those who aren’t already. Cheers!|

  84. The following time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I imply, I know it was my choice to learn, but I actually thought youd have one thing attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you might repair in case you werent too busy searching for attention.

  85. I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site. Studying this information So i am glad to express that I’ve an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I so much certainly will make certain to do not omit this web site and provides it a glance regularly.

  86. Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and net and this is actually annoying. A good site with exciting content, that’s what I need. Thanks for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.

  87. I found your blog site on google and check just a few of your early posts. Continue to maintain up the superb operate. I just extra up your RSS feed to my MSN Information Reader. In search of forward to studying more from you in a while!…

  88. whoah this weblog is fantastic i really like reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You recognize, lots of individuals are searching round for this info, you can aid them greatly.

  89. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.|

  92. Hello there, simply became alert to your blog through Google, and located that it is really informative. I’m gonna be careful for brussels. I’ll appreciate in case you continue this in future. A lot of other folks shall be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!|

  93. Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!|

  98. The processor or CPU is the brains of the laptop or computer – it does most of the calculations your game titles need to operate (with the video clip card carrying out most of the graphics function). With it staying these kinds of an essential component, you would instinctually go for the fastest – and most high priced – processor you could discover, but there is a far better substitute to blowing funds on anything that will be obsolete in a yr: getting a processor that will play tomorrow’s online games at a minimal amount is the sweet spot for any gaming personal computer.

  100. I will right away clutch your rss as I can’t find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me realize so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  101. Thanks for all your valuable work on this web page. Kate delights in working on internet research and it’s really simple to grasp why. Most of us notice all relating to the dynamic manner you provide very useful tricks via the blog and even welcome participation from others about this theme while my princess is without a doubt understanding so much. Take pleasure in the remaining portion of the new year. Your doing a dazzling job.

  106. What i don’t understood is in truth how you are not really much more well-favored than you might be right now. You’re so intelligent. You realize thus considerably in relation to this matter, produced me in my view believe it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like men and women aren’t involved except it is one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs great. All the time deal with it up!

  113. Arx Nimbus’ Thrivaca Risk Analytics Platform provides the first financially-relevant Digital Risk Profile for the enterprise, underwriters and brokers. Using a patented algorithm developed in collaboration with leading universities, the DoD and federal regulators, Thrivaca consolidates industry historical analysis, your latest analyses and assessments, proprietary vulnerability scans, audit data and actuarial mathematics to produce a complete and detailed valuation of enterprise-wide digital risk, and the top sources of current carrying cost.

  114. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say superb blog!

  115. Amazing things here. I am very satisfied to see your article. Thank you a lot and I am having a look forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?|

  116. Thanks for another magnificent post. Where else may anybody get that type of information in such an ideal method of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the look for such information.|

  122. Great blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Cheers|

  128. Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.|

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here