American security guard Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) saves thousands of lives from an exploding bomb at the 1996 Olympics but is vilified by journalists and the press who falsely report that he was a terrorist.
The bombing in Centennial Park during the 1996 Olympic proceedings was a terrible event. It injured over 100 people and directly killed one individual but it also ruined the image of an innocent man that was tried by the court of public opinion.
“Richard Jewell” is a film that covers the story of a man with the same name who was blamed for the bombing after he found the explosive and alerted law enforcement to the danger. Paul Walter Hauser plays Richard Jewell, a quiet man who is hardworking and one who upholds the law. Jewell wants nothing more but to serve the country he admires and be well-liked by those in uniform. Hauser plays this character incredibly well and the likeness between him and the actual Richard Jewell is oddly similar. Hauser is an actor that portrays a character so well I can’t imagine anyone else playing him.
Jewell saved many lives the night he found the bomb, with his warnings and quick thinking, many lives were saved that could have been lost. Once the FBI investigated the crime they came up with nothing, no hard evidence, just a weak profile of who the bomber should be. This effort from the government to try and close this case quickly was led by FBI agent Tom Shaw (Jon Hamm). Hamm’s character is ruthless and deceptive. His methods for trying to hang Jewell out to dry are both immoral and illegal, this character seemed to be made for Hamm, who seems to specialize in that kind of role. Shaw wants nothing more but to jail Jewell and his character no matter if the evidence points towards someone else or not. The use of the corrupt power to jail a wrongly convicted person should be a fantasy but it is all too common even 23 years later.
When Hamm and the rest of the FBI came for Jewell, he was protected by a friend he made years prior by the name of Watson Bryant, who is played by Sam Rockwell. Watson Bryant is a flipped version of Richard Jewell if there ever was one. He is loud and he has a disrespect for authority figures partly because all of the authority in this film is violating the rights of everyone who they suspect in this crime. Watson isn’t only Jewell’s lawyer but he is also his only friend in all of this. He is the voice of reason that Jewell needs and he is also the flak jacket and watchful eye that protects Jewell from time in a cell for a crime he didn’t commit.
The cast on this movie is filled with big names that provide incredible performances. Olivia Wilde plays the journalist that lights the fire that misdirects the public. Kathy Bates plays Jewell’s mother who is as motherly and kind and accepting as any mother should be but is also outspoken and emotional which is the primer for Richard’s arc.
This is a film that is well-executed and worth the run time. It tells the story that not many may know but it’s a tale that everyone should know. Richard Jewell is going to be one to remember.
Now available on Digital HD and on Blu-ray and DVD March 17th
