The film is based on an amazing true story(Image: Warner Bros)
Fans say Clint Eastwood’s ‘masterpiece’ should have picked up several awards.
Netflix has just added the true crime thriller Richard Jewell. The film was originally released back in 2019 and inspired by real life events but is streaming now so fans can rediscover the ‘underrated gem’.
During the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, security guard Richard Jewell discovers a suspicious backpack under a bench in Centennial Park. With little time to spare, he helps to evacuate the area until the incendiary device inside the bag explodes. Hailed as a hero who saved lives, Jewell’s own life starts to unravel when the FBI names him the prime suspect in the bombing.
These events really did happen and the film shows how the real life Jewell suffered a ‘trial by media’. In the movie he is played by wrestler and actor Richard Walter Hauser, who has since gone on to star in The Luckiest Man in America, The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 where he voiced Embarrassment.
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The films shows the case of Richard Jewell(Image: Warner Bros)
He is joined in the cast by Sam Rockwell who plays Jewell’s attorney, Kathy Bates in the role of Jewell’s mother as well as Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde. The film was met with some controversy, including how it portrays some events including fictional moments and the depiction of a reporter.
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Despite that. it was met with mostly positive reviews from critics. It earned a respectable 77% rating on website Rotten Tomatoes and and even more impressive 96% fan score.
It was directed by Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood and considered by some as one of his best modern titles. One critic said: “The veteran director creates one of his best films in years with this powerful true story.”
Another claimed: “One of Clint’s most memorable characters, and a picture as well rounded and engaging as he’s crafted in years.”
There weren’t alone as one fan said: This is a jewel of a film from the past ten years, scandalously underrated. Clint is a top director when on form and he delivered with a beautifully crafted and acted plot with a tremendously well casted ensemble. Deserves a wider audience. Simple but stunning story and told so powerfully.”
Kathy Bates earned the film’s only Oscar nomination(Image: Warner Bros)
Someone else commented: “It’s right up there with Gran Torino for my favourite. Paul Walter Hauser is, perhaps, one of the most underrated actors at the moment. Sam Rockwell is magnificent, as always, we need more movies with him. And Kathy Bates is just superb. Give it a try if you like movies with charismatic actors and underdog characters.”
Another labelled it “a timely period piece” before adding: ” Richard Jewell, the film, is a nearly-perfect piece of filmmaking. The performances are all outstanding.”
It earned just one nomination for the 2020 Oscars ceremony. That was for Kathy Bates in the category of Best Supporting Actress. However, many fans who have already watched the film remain determined that it not only should have been included in more categories, but picked up more than one statuette.
A fan argued: “Another Clint Eastwood masterpiece.” While someone else wondered: “How on earth did this not win Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor Oscars for all its stars?”
Richard Jewell is streaming on Netflix.
