Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) is the security guard who saved many lives by identifying a suspicious package at the Centennial Olympic Park, just before it exploded. But a few days later, he became the prime suspect by the FBI who were able to profile him as a ‘lone bomber.’ Jewell went on to employ Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell) as his attorney to defend him against the accusations. The film follows how he quickly went from being a nation’s hero to their villain.
Clint Eastwood’s masterful direction infuses constant suspense in a true story. He allows the audience into the heads of his unsung heroes and those who are falsely accused.
It’s hard to watch as Jewell’s faith in the uniform diminishes when he sees how the FBI manipulate their positions to suit their narrative. Hauser’s performance humanizes the character – it’s hard not to feel sympathy for him despite his overbearing tendency to extend his own authority recklessly. Sam Rockwell gives another terrific turn as his wise -cracking attorney, Bryant, often bringing dark humour to the proceedings. Jon Hamm as the FBI agent and Olivia Wilde as the zealous reporter make for a despicable duo, whose ambitions precede their morals. Kathy Bates is heartbreaking as Richard’s mother Bobi Jewell, who wants her son’s dreams to come true. Their performances are a testament to Eastwood’s ability to extract subtle, yet heartfelt depictions, as he painstakingly weaves the narrative. Watch how quickly you can go from hero to villain with the government manipulating the press.
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