Review: Richard Jewell

When it comes to heroes, we want them to act and speak a certain way. They should fit into one of the categories that makes us nod in appreciation. But what if our hero isn’t a shiny beacon, perhaps someone that means well, but doesn’t our personal molds? Do you thank them or do you question their motives? As Comedian Jim Gaffigan once said, “When a good looking person smiles at you, you think , Oh, that’s nice! But when an ugly person smiles at you, you think, What do they want, stop looking at me weirdo.” And while Richard Jewell would not be called ugly, he could be described as someone that gives off an awkward vibe. And that is where the FBI and the media sunk their claws, this true story of a man that was a hero, only to be character assassinated into villany.

Security guard Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) is a simple man with simple ideals. Take pride in your work, take care of your mother and keep working towards your dreams. Those dreams being a full fledged police officer. As we begin the film, we find him running through a couple jobs including office supply manager and a school security guard. To him, he is doing his job at 100%, unfortunately, some of the administration feels that he is overstepping his bounds to increase his importance.

His next work opportunity took him to working security once again, this time though, at the 1996 Olympics celebration in Atlanta, GA. Constantly berated and put down by other law enforcement professionals, Richard tried to persevere and still be professional. This mindset and his attention to detail allowed him to notice a large backpack that was left unattended. Calling attention to it and requesting assistance from officers in charge vindicated all of his work and goals as the package was identified as a live and real explosive.

Quickly the officers tried to move the public back away from dangerous explosive. Unfortunately for them, it soon explodes, injuring over 100 people and killing one person. The next day, the media sponsors finds out about Richard Jewell and begin to laud him as a hero. This is quickly dissolved though as a reporter works her way into the investigation to find out that the FBI considers Richard to be the prime suspect.

With little forethought or integrity the story was released and Richard’s life came crashing down. Labeled as a man that created this horrible event for attention, he was vilified and marked with no regard for the truth. A man that defined what we needed, but not what we wanted.

This film is a strong showing by lead actor Paul Walter Hauser, already a fan favorite to those that remember him as the hilariously inept bodyguard Shawn in I, Tonya. He acts his heart out delivering a character that we instantly know and understand. Couple that with direction by Clint Eastwood and a true story that needs to be remembered and you’ve got a great drama worthy of a trip to the cinema.

Grade: B
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 2h 9m