In
the late 1980s, Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) struggles with his
overzealous nature through a series of jobs that are on the peripheral fringes
of his desired career in law enforcement. Living with his mom (Kathy Bates), he
has an opportunity to work security at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. One
fateful night at Centennial Park festivities, he notifies authorities of a
mysterious backpack which explodes with deadly results. Jewell appears to be a
hero until a suspicious FBI agent (Jon Hamm) and an eager reporter (Olivia
Wilde) point to Jewell as the prime suspect in the bombing. Faced with condemnation and circumstantial evidence, Jewell enlists a
lawyer (Sam Rockwell in a terrific turn) to defend him as the media frenzy
reaches a crescendo.
Hauser is excellent and
totally convincing as Jewell,
not too bright but with a good heart, who dreams of a better life for himself
and his loving mom. Bates lends strong support that culminates in a press
conference that is a key emotional moment.
Although Wilde’s character is
conniving to the point of being clichéd, the film never loses focus.
This
is an interesting study in celebrity and fame; it’s also astonishing how
quickly Jewell is perceived as hero then villain and his life ruined. The
interview techniques used to trip or trick Jewell are as appalling as how
Jewell and his mother’s world are upended.
It’s
a story worth telling and done so with the typical Clint Eastwood craftsmanship
where his methodical filmmaking (the bombing is shot with heightened realism
and maximum impact,) produces an emotional, heartfelt reaction. One of
Eastwood's best biopics.
***1/2
of **** stars
