Richard Jewell

Richard Jewell is the kind of character only the USA seems capable of producing. What’s worse is how the American secret service, whether knowingly or not, fuels the paranoia of conspiracy theorists and eccentrics with their public actions. It's no surprise that the average American might trust wild theories over the government’s official stance. Clint Eastwood has once again found a brilliant story and directed it with the kind of craftsmanship that's hard to fault. From the gripping atmosphere to the stellar performances, everything hits the mark. Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Kathy Bates, and Jon Hamm all deliver outstanding work. I’d mention Olivia Wilde too, but she’s barely in it, which is a shame. Richard Jewell is a solid piece of classic American filmmaking—something we’re seeing less of these days. (24/01/2021)

Richard Jewell is well made biographical drama that captivates the viewer especially with its strong subject matter and convincing performances by the main characters, led by the solid Paul Walter Hauser, the sharp Kathy Bates and the brilliant Sam Rockwell. It never ceases to amaze me that Clint Eastwood, at such an advanced age, can still make a film with a coherent story and an unforced build-up of events that shook the public nearly twenty-five years ago. I really bow down to him! In the case of the main character, the saying "beg for mercy" applies doubly, and it's really crazy how a person's life can change from hero to villain at the snap of a finger. Despite the slower pace, the film is told in such an engaging way that the two hours in the cinema go by like nothing. A quality cinematic experience guaranteed! (20/01/2020)

A confident Clint Eastwood serves up another compelling true story that is intense and suspenseful from start to finish, and Sam Rockwell has another perfect supporting role! (After Jojo Rabbit for the second time this year). Well acted, interestingly shot, emotional towards the end and overall a very entertaining piece of work where I kept my hands clenched for the entire running time. Praise should also be given to the nasty detective Jon Hamm, the bitchy reporter played by Olivia Wilde, and the unknown Paul Walter Hauser, who also gives a great performance. I hope it's not Eastwood’s last film. 8/10. (06/02/2020)

When I write that I find Clint Eastwood to be the most admirable filmmaker working today, you might think I'm mainly admiring the fact that he's still making movies on the cusp of 90. And he's doing it so well. That's certainly true, but I admire him even more for the subjects he chooses and how he handles them. Richard Jewell is another one of his "ordinary heroes" who lived through something that you wouldn't quite want to believe if it hadn't really happened. However, unlike Sully Sullenberger, who was "only" in danger of losing his career, Richard Jewell stands in front of the electric chair and, thanks to the fact that he is actually an overgrown child of principle and looks up to the law enforcement officials without bounds, slowly and willingly sits in that chair himself. The story is wonderfully scary. Without exception superbly acted (if I had to single anyone out, P. W. Hauser would be my favorite chameleon aside from Sam Rockwell) and most importantly so beautifully told, in a slow balladic manner with occasional light relief in the form of sensitive humor that both puts the viewer at ease and highlights the absurdity of the whole situation. Wonderful. (17/01/2020)

How does Eastwood do it at his age? To make a film at 89 years old brimming with such youthful energy is truly breathtaking. I can only tip my hat. But now, to the film. Richard Jewell tackles a significant story from the end of the last century that I think most people might not even know about (I’m among those who were completely unaware of this man). The film relies on two things: the cast and the well-crafted script. Honestly, I was most entertained by Sam Rockwell as the lawyer. In recent years, I’ve grown to really appreciate this actor; he can play any role, and you always know he won’t slack off. But Paul Walter Hauser as the lead was also engaging, and Jon Hamm, playing a negative character for perhaps the first time, was great as well. In terms of the script, I enjoyed every line, and the emotional scenes worked well both on paper and on screen. It’s a wonderful, intimate film that shows how being a hero can unexpectedly turn against you. I give it 85%. (24/03/2020)