Review of Richard Jewell (2019) by Netflic — 16 Dec 2019

This is the latest film by an actor-turned-director Clint Eastwood. I generally like his movies, they are solid and done well. This latest one is not an exception.

The film is based on real events, 1996 Summer Olympics bombing in Atlanta, Georgia. Many people remember it.

Richard Jewell was a security guard who found a backpack with explosives, notified authorities and heroically worked to save public from danger.

However later on he was chosen by FBI as a primary suspect because he fit a profile of a lonely bomber.

A local newspaper journalist got a hint from FBI and destroyed Richard's reputation without checking any facts.

FBI abused their power by intimidating and manipulating a suspect instead of collecting evidence.

Even though the movie is about events that happened back in 1996, it is very relevant today as never before. Fake news are abundant, many newspapers are biased and dishonest, FBI "railroads" (this term is being used in the movie) people's lives for reasons that have nothing to do with what they should be doing.

I think the timing of this movie coming out *now* is not accidental. It is a warning to all of us.

I liked mostly all performances, especially Richard's mom Bobi, played by Kathy Bates.

I recommend this movie to be seen.