The Culture Shock of BOMBSHELL

Real life events form the backdrop of Fox News head Roger Ailes whose sexual harassment of female employees led to landmark changes. As directed (Jay Roach) and written (Charles Randolph), it is a fascinating examination of corporate culture run amuck and the ensuing disarray when victims of harassment begin to fight back. It’s also a display of acting royalty in key roles.

Starting in 2015 with Fox News, a major player in news broadcasting headed by Roger Ailes, a powerful media boss whose belief in ‘sex sells’ and his sexual harassment of a number of female employees is a hidden, dirty secret that threatens careers and reputations including rising Fox star, Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron).  A new intern (Margot Robbie) personally experiences humiliation first hand during an interview with Ailes. In the thick of Presidential election coverage and faced with intimidation by Fox management and the firing of another major star, Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), for her sexual harassment claims against Ailes, Kelly must make a momentous decision with enormous consequences.

The pervasive sexist climate is convincingly portrayed at Fox News as sexy reporters draw big ratings and viewership. Ailes is shown as a man who can make or break careers in exchange for loyalty.  The film makes note how Fox News and Donald Trump had a symbiotic relation during his Presidential campaign with each needing the other as this scandal developed.

Theron eerily nails Kelly in her voice, appearance, and mannerisms amongst the stellar cast with John Lithgow having a field day as Ailes. Both portrayals are immensely aided by great, (Oscar winning) makeup effects.

Although it could easily have been a cable/streaming event film, this dramatization is an intriguing look at how brave women risked everything to make a difference.

***1/2 of **** stars