Review of Bombshell (2019) by Greatmartin — 24 Dec 2019

In 2003/2004 I saw "Monster" and walked out of the theatre saying that if Charlize Theron doesn't win the Oscar for her performance I will never go to the movies. Well, she did I still go and today I saw a performance by Charlize Theron that might not get her that second Oscar but she, along with Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, certainly deserve nominations. (Robbie stands a chance in the supporting category as the other two have won best actress Oscars.).

I honestly did not recognize Theron until the near end of the movie due to makeup and prosthetics---another Oscar nomination?--and she has lowered her voice that she is Megyn Kelly. Though the film revolves around Theron/Kelly, for those who don't know the whole story, it was Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) who was responsible, not only for the downfall of Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) but helped bring the #METOO movement to the forefront.

As with all 'based on a true story' I often wonder how true private conversations are but this man was so abusive that you know a lot wasn't being told and it boggles the mind what he did do and what he, and other men, got away with. The fact that many women covered up for him and one seems to be a pimp for him, doesn't bring any shame on them but on the industry for their practices regarding women.

Any film dealing with the politics in the past 5 years will have to involve Trump and Fox News but, even if we see the behind the scenes involving the Murdochs, this is not a Republican versus Democrat movie. There is a reason why the 3 leads, and so many others, are beautiful blondes wearing tight and short dresses and showing their legs and it all points to Ailes, and Fox, allowing him to do what he did because he was making the company billions of dollars.

Aside from Theron, Kidman and Robbie there are many name actresses such as Holland Taylor, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney and Connie Britton playing large, small and all important parts.

Lithgow is a repulsive looking man as Ailes--again makeup and prosthetics--making it so unimaginable that he could get any woman that he wanted sexually but he does because of the way the industry worked. Richard Kind does a quick impersonation of Rudy Giuliani while Malcolm McDowell plays Rupert Murdoch and various actors play well known TV figures.

The screenplay by Charles Randolph holds your attention no matter how familiar you may be with the story while director Jay Roach keeps the film going at a quick pace.

"Bombshell" is a must see for the performances, the story and getting out to all the public exactly what brought the #METOO movement forward. Certainly every man should see this film.