"Richard Jewell" Movie Review

Richard Jewell is based on the true story of the rise and railroaded fall of a security guard whose identification of what turned out to be a bomb at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia saved numerous lives. While that may not seem like the beginning of a tragedy, Jewell went from hero to villain in the eyes of the public in record time due to a perfect storm of unprincipled federal agents and an even less-scrupled media.

** SPOILERS AHEAD **

In 1996, 35-year-old law enforcement hopeful Richard Jewell was hired by AT&T as a security officer stationed at Atlanta's Centennial Park for the two weeks during which the city hosted the Olympic games. On July 27, Jewell discovered what he considered to be a suspicious package while on duty. After the police alerted by Jewell determined that the backpack contained three pipe bombs, they -- along with his help -- attempted to evacuate the area. However, 13 minutes after Jewell's discovery, the bombs detonated, killing one person and injuring more than 100 others. While Jewell was initially hailed a hero, within days he was falsely identified as the person who planted the bomb by the FBI and a reporter (Kathy Scruggs) for local paper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

As is often the case, the AJC's reporting touched off a media blitz that included CNN, NBC, the New York Post and various other outlets eager to spread the word about Jewell's "guilt".

After intense FBI surveillance and media coverage, Jewell was exonerated (88 days later). The actual bomber, Eric Rudolph, who would later commit two more bombings, eventually pleaded guilty.

Like fellow potential Oscar-nominee Just Mercy, Jewell illustrates just how close even the innocent can come to an undeserved death sentence.

Richard Jewell is a definite go-see and an eye-opener that just may be an Oscar-contender this upcoming awards season.

Originally Posted 12/14/19