Richard Jewell

RICHARD JEWELL - Warner Bros

Legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood continues his crusade in his ongoing American hero biopic saga — after American Sniper, Sully: Miracle on the Hudson, and The 15:17 to Paris — with Richard Jewell, similar if not with slightly underwhelming results to his recent string of releases.

For the most part, Eastwood lands with his recent feature. Nothing is arguably different compared to the structure or thematic impact of either Sully or The 15:17 to Paris. Much like the films mentioned above, Eastwood takes a thematically haunting tone and strips off tension in an emotionally flat arrangement. Once again, the director is unable to finalise and conclusively bring his feature to a firm and fitting end, instead crafting a quick and somewhat effortless epilogue scene that is both flat and lifeless.

However, in those particular features aforementioned, Eastwood builds up to their penultimate moments of tension through backstory — with Richard Jewell the climactic moment takes its turn rather early. Considering current climate, Eastwood, rather interestingly, turns his sights to the uproar of fake news and toxic environment of a media circus witchhunt. With each new Eastwood feature, there is undoubtedly a fury of the political underbelly present, resulting in controversy from the film's statements that tend to create a form of rich hype. Richard Jewell is no different; in fact, it feels relatively more extreme than the controversy that impacted American Sniper. Explicit implications of sexual favours surrounding a female reporter are just one instance of problematic and unfounded prejudice but overall, Eastwood attacks the political system, FBI and governmental control and free press with a heavy-handed vengeance. 

Granted, such a political subtext — in this case overly harsh and controversial element — slightly skews the enjoyment and dramatic nature of the story. Nevertheless, it is brought forward in a manner of profound and compelling motion that causes genuine conversation on controversial matters in the face of uncertain heroism and harrowing tragedy. That being said, Richard Jewell hits its dramatic cues within an inch of its life — resulting in an emotional magnitude of intense and palpable melodies that rock the viewer to their core. 

This emotional conviction is led on the forefront in the performance of the titular character played superbly by rising star Paul Walter Hauser and his surrounding support group of mother and reluctant lawyer —played by Kathy Bates and Sam Rockwell, respectively. Paul Walter Hauser is nothing short of a revelation here. His screen presence is strong with an emotionally engaging performance that engulfs the screen throughout. It is quite an underwhelming role on paper but with subtle nuances and layers, Walter Hauser stands tall with a compelling character. Bates and Rockwell round out a decent cast list with performances that add to the effect of building Walter Hauser's titular character up in penetrating ardent moments of humour, reflection and pathos.

RICHARD JEWELL is released December 31st 2020