As usual, Clint Eastwood brilliantly tells a true story. This time, he dwells on Richard Jewell, a gentleman everybody, who sees his life turn upside down overnight. Indeed, today, the latter is recognized for his heroism in the case of the attack on Centennial Park in Atlanta. However, his innocence was questioned for many months and his name dragged through the mud. This American drama released in 2020 is to be found from February 2 on Canal.
Synopsis
Richard Jewell is a man who dreams of joining the police and struggles to find a place for himself. He is sometimes too resistant to the rules because, according to him, general protection is more important than certain procedures, which leads to his dismissal. However, his life takes a completely different turn when he becomes a security guard in Atlanta. Indeed, while on duty at a concert at Centennial Park, he sees a suspicious package and insists on following the evacuation procedure. It turns out that the package contained a bomb and Richard becomes a hero. Unfortunately, he also quickly becomes the main suspect in the case.
A golden team
We can obviously start by quoting Clint Eastwood, a director still full of resources despite his advanced age. At his side, we find most of his usual team including Stephen Campanelli. The latter is a remarkable cameraman with whom he has worked for more than 25 years.
In addition, in the casting, we discover Paul Walter Hauser who owes this first role to his undeniable physical resemblance to Richard Jewell. It is also Clint Eastwood, who after seeing a photo of the actor, decided to contact him.He then passed the casting and it turned out that the physique and the acting were perfect.
The supporting role goes to Kathy Bates, who plays Bobi, Richard's mother. She received the award for Best Supporting Actress and was nominated for the 2020 Golden Globes and Oscars for her performance. Her greatest reward remains, according to her, the fact that Bobi loved the film. The latter was also a consultant throughout the shooting. It was, indeed, important for Paul and Kathy to be able to talk to her about her son's past. Thus, they were both able to understand the special relationship between Richard and his mother.
Finally, Sam Rockwell, who plays Watson Bryant, Richard's lawyer, was so moved by the script that he absolutely wanted to meet Watson to speak with him. Thus, he stayed 7 hours discussing the script and the lawyer gave him all the keys to best interpret his role.
Revenge for an injustice
Clint chose to make this film because, for him, it is an American tragedy. Justice had to be done to Richard. Indeed, his name was so slandered in the media that it was important for Clint to denounce this drift. The film denounces the quick judgment of the feds and the media wanting absolutely to designate a culprit as soon as possible.
Even today, many people associate Richard Jewell's name with the "Atlanta bomber." Indeed, the negative press has been much more ardent than the press that exonerates him.
That's why Clint wanted the real victims to get redress through this film.
While conversing with Bobi, the whole team had a stronger and stronger sense of injustice towards Richard who all his life wanted only to spread good and help others. It was his overly conscientious side that ultimately caused him harm.
For those who don't know the story, this film lives up to the facts and accurately relates the most striking elements. It is a film that is both exhilarating and dramatic. Paul Walter's acting also accompanies with great modesty the emotions that the main accused may have felt. So, if you haven't had the chance to see it in the cinema, catch up now on the small screen.
