I watched Bombshell only because Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie were nominated for Golden Globe awards. Surely, that’s a sign that I might be missing something.
Well, that and I wanted to see Charlize’s amazing transformation as Megyn Kelly which the ads touted.
And rightfully so.
Like—wow!
I loved the movie.
It’s the true story about a group of women who take on Fox News head Roger Ailes and the toxic atmosphere he presided over at the network.
And just so you know, the facts are spot on.
They’d better be. This movie is too important for history to deem it melodrama.
So when you are as gut-wrenched and appalled at Roger Ailes’ actions as I am, they best be accurate else I redirect my hostilities toward the messenger.
I won’t reveal much information about the movie so as to not spoil the adventure for others. Read why here.
But, I will say that Charlize Theron is mesmerizing as Megyn Kelly. Aided by prosthetics, she not only looks like Megyn, she nails all aspects of Megyn’s mannerisms and voice. Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Gretchen Carlson is apt. I haven’t watched Megyn and Gretchen on TV regularly, only in research for this review, so I base my opinion on a few clips. In any case, the movie still thrills.
It’s important to note that the supporting characters of Margot Robbie and Kate McKinnon are composite characters invented for the movie. But their stories and actions are based on actual victims in the film and this fact is clearly stated before the film begins.
John Lithgow’s performance as Roger Ailes is eerily accurate. It will take some time for the ickiness to evaporate from my thoughts of John as Roger; an unfortunate byproduct for actors who play gross or evil characters.
It sums up the whole issue and makes you thankful to the women who finally stood up to the bastards. I left the theater disgusted and heated, not only because of the actions of the men depicted in this movie, but because their behavior is not unique.
But I also left the theater emboldened.
And I can’t think of a better way to leave a theater.
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Following the release of “Bombshell,” four female ex-Fox reporters, including Megyn Kelly, gathered to talk about the harassment they allegedly faced.
Not to miss!
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Nominated for two Golden Globes, three BAFTA awards, four Screen Actors Guild Awards and more for a total of 10 wins and 50 nominations.
Director: Jay Roach
Writers: Charles Randolph
Stars: Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, John Lithgow, Allison Janney, Malcolm McDowell, Kate McKinnon
IMDB: Bombshell (2019)