© 2024 KPCW

KPCW
Spencer F. Eccles Broadcast Center
PO Box 1372 | 460 Swede Alley
Park City | UT | 84060
Office: (435) 649-9004 | Studio: (435) 655-8255

Music & Artist Inquiries: music@kpcw.org
News Tips & Press Releases: news@kpcw.org
Volunteer Opportunities
General Inquiries: info@kpcw.org
Listen Like a Local Park City & Heber City Summit & Wasatch counties, Utah
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
KPCW sends its most discerning moviegoers to the movies each week to let you know which films are worth going to and which are a pass. The Friday Film Review airs at 7:20 a.m., during the Noon News and in The Local View. KPCW Friday Film Reviewers are: Barb Bretz, Rick Brough, Mark Harrington and Linda Jager.

Friday Film Review-"Bombshell"

KPCW

 

The story behind the decades of sexual harassment at Fox News debuts in theaters with the new movie "Bombshell."    Linda Jager shares her thoughts for the Friday Film Review.

The success and scandal of Fox News isn’t a new story, but given time and space from the 2016 sexual harassment incidents that plagued the network, the topic is now fodder for several books, a television series, and now the big screen.

"Bombshell", which hit theaters this week, tells the story from the perspective of three women who were central to scandal – anchors Megyn Kelly and Gretchen Carlson, and a young and aspiring female news producer.

Having just wrapped a few nights of binge-watching "The Loudest Voice in the Room", a Showtime series based on the 2014 bestselling biography about Fox News Channel president Roger Ailes, I was well informed of Ailes' volatile tenure at the helm of the network.  However, the series revolved more around Ailes than the victims of his decades of his sexual harassment.

"Bombshell" takes a different approach, following a linear storyline focusing on the experiences of Kelly (in an amazing performance by Charlize Theron), Carlson (played by Nicole Kidman) and the young producer (played by Margot Robbie).

The film opens with Kelly, who speaking directly to the audience, gives a tour of the Fox News Channel empire, introduces us to Ailes (played by John Lithgow), and sets the stage for the rest of the film.

Interestingly, the film opens with a disclaimer reminding viewers that all characters are being portrayed by actors except in archival footage.  As the film continues, it’s quickly evident why the disclaimer is necessary as Theron gives such a convincing performance as Kelly that it appears Kelly is starring as herself.

The film begins with Kelly as she is preparing to host the infamous August 2015 Presidential debate and the beginning of her very public feud with Donald Trump.  As the fallout from the debate ensued – and threats and public harassment to Kelly and her family grew – Ailes appears to step in and protect Kelly, despite any potential backlash from Trump.

Meanwhile, the story of the scandal starts with Carlson, who after being demoted, and later fired from the network, files a sexual harassment lawsuit against Ailes. While preparing for the case, Carlson seeks out other female colleagues and former employees of Alies who may have also been harassed.

Robbie’s character, Kayla Pospisil, is working under Carlson – producing a mid-afternoon show -  but has her sights set on moving over to Bill O’Reilly’s team.  Kayla seizes an opportunity to meet Ailes and share her aspirations, but while visiting with Ailes in his office, the conversation soon becomes less about giving Kayla a shot on the network’s primetime show and more about her legs.

The story quickly builds and the newsroom becomes divides between those who support the women’s claims and those on Team Roger.

Director Jay Roach, who made his mark with the "Austin Powers" series and "Meet the Parents", taps a talented ensemble cast that includes Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, and Connie Britton, to bring Charles Randolph’s screenplay to life.

Running 118 minutes and rated R for sexual material and language throughout the film, "Bombshell" is a powerful cinematic statement on the #MeToo movement, and a film definitely worth watching.

This is Linda Jager with the KPCW Friday Film Review.