Watch Richard Jewell

Richard Jewell is a biographical drama film based on the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta, Georgia, and the subsequent investigation that led to the wrongful accusations against security guard Richard Jewell. The movie is directed by Clint Eastwood and features an ensemble cast that includes Paul Walter Hauser as Richard Jewell, Sam Rockwell as his lawyer Watson Bryant, and Brandon Stanley as FBI agent Tom Shaw.

At its core, the movie is a study of the devastating effects that fame and media attention can have on an ordinary person's life. Richard Jewell is presented as a simple man with a deep sense of duty and responsibility. He aspires to be a law enforcement officer, but his physical limitations prevent him from realizing this dream. Instead, he works as a security guard at the Olympic Park during the 1996 Summer Olympics. His life is forever changed when he discovers a suspicious backpack containing a bomb and alerts the authorities, saving countless lives.

At first, Jewell is hailed as a hero, but his life quickly turns into a nightmare when an ambitious FBI agent, Tom Shaw, begins to suspect him of planting the bomb. Shaw, along with the help of other law enforcement agencies and the media, launch an aggressive investigation into Jewell's past, looking for any evidence that he may have been involved in the bombing. Jewell is subjected to intense scrutiny, public ridicule, and harassment, even as he maintains his innocence.

It is at this point that the movie takes a deep dive into the personal and psychological effects of the investigation on Jewell and those around him. Hauser portrays Jewell as a naive and vulnerable man who is trying to do the right thing but is ultimately betrayed by those he trusts. Rockwell is brilliant as Bryant, the lawyer who believes in Jewell and fights to clear his name against all odds. Their dynamic is one of the highlights of the movie, providing some of the most emotional and compelling scenes.

The film is also a commentary on the impact of the media on an individual's life. The media circus that surrounds Jewell's case is portrayed as callous, self-serving, and eager to report on any speculation or hearsay, regardless of the impact on Jewell's life. The film is a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism and the dangers of trial-by-media.

Overall, Richard Jewell is a powerful and emotional movie that is supported by strong performances by its cast. Eastwood's direction is nuanced and subtle, allowing the story to unfold with a sense of realism and authenticity. It is a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, there are people in this world who are willing to stand up and fight for what is right.

Richard Jewell is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 68.