This was a risky film to make. It's taking a sensitive topic and basing the story around true events that happened within the last 5 years, including stuff around Donald Trump. As well as this, the movie isn't strictly drama with a 'Vice' type vibe around it. However, at least in my opinion, they pulled it off. It balances the almost comic feel it has with serious moments and intentionally uncomfortable ones. It's a scathing look inside mega corporations and how sex is sold.
There's very strong performances all round, from Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly and Nicole Kidman as Gretchen Carlson to John Lithgow as Roger Ailes and Margot Robbie as the made up Kayla Pospisil (although the scenarios she's placed in are no doubt based on fact). Perhaps the single most uncomfortable scene in the film involves Kayla as Roger insists she lifts her dress to show him her legs, urging her to go higher and higher as television is a "visual medium." It's the type of scene that would be uncomfortable in and of itself but Robbie portrays Kayla's clear distress masterfully and the feeling is heightened once again when you consider that this sort of stuff has happened in real life to real people. The film also spotlights casual sexism and objectification as the women working for Fox are told to wear short dresses and aren't allowed to wear pants. Most of the 'compliments' they receive are about how sexy they are rather than their skills as a journalist.
As well as a commentary on the sleaziness of higher ups in corporations, it also celebrates the courage shown by people like Carlson who speak up even when they know it could cost them everything. Theron displays her characters inner conflict brilliantly, working up to the stage where she's ready to speak out too. There's tension in the air and the camera-work adds to this with rapid cuts and dramatic zooms throughout.
Bombshell is a great movie standing alone but a movie that also feels relevant in this #MeToo era. It reinforces that the most powerful figures aren't invincible and, though not easily, can be brought down too.
There's very strong performances all round, from Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly and Nicole Kidman as Gretchen Carlson to John Lithgow as Roger Ailes and Margot Robbie as the made up Kayla Pospisil (although the scenarios she's placed in are no doubt based on fact). Perhaps the single most uncomfortable scene in the film involves Kayla as Roger insists she lifts her dress to show him her legs, urging her to go higher and higher as television is a "visual medium." It's the type of scene that would be uncomfortable in and of itself but Robbie portrays Kayla's clear distress masterfully and the feeling is heightened once again when you consider that this sort of stuff has happened in real life to real people. The film also spotlights casual sexism and objectification as the women working for Fox are told to wear short dresses and aren't allowed to wear pants. Most of the 'compliments' they receive are about how sexy they are rather than their skills as a journalist.
As well as a commentary on the sleaziness of higher ups in corporations, it also celebrates the courage shown by people like Carlson who speak up even when they know it could cost them everything. Theron displays her characters inner conflict brilliantly, working up to the stage where she's ready to speak out too. There's tension in the air and the camera-work adds to this with rapid cuts and dramatic zooms throughout.
Bombshell is a great movie standing alone but a movie that also feels relevant in this #MeToo era. It reinforces that the most powerful figures aren't invincible and, though not easily, can be brought down too.