This film is a star-studded saga. Playing former Fox News journalists: Megyn Kelly and Gretchen Carlson is none other than Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman. The two leading ladies not only look exactly like the real players but they give phenomenal performances as the two famed journalists. They give performances that are undeniably memorable, emotional and charming throughout the film. I have no doubt that these performances have and will grab the attention of the real Carlson and Kelly, respectively. Meanwhile, playing the disgraced former Fox founder, who has since deceased in 2017, John Lithgow plays a conniving yet charismatic Roger Ailes. Lithgow's take on the troubled media mogul is thrilling yet haunting because of his spiraling downfall at the network. And Margot Robbie, on the other hand, plays a fictitious character who is new to the network and wants to be at the top. Robbie's role is just as sensational as the rest of the cast.
Director Jay Roach and writer Charles Randolph, craft an equally compelling story retelling the events of the infamous scandal. Roach delivers with an authentic mind of originality. Randolph's script as just as original with his craft. The writing is not delicate in the slightest when detailing the haunting events that unfold throughout the film. What they do here is stunning and equally as such is obvious. The two have done something that only certain true story based films can do and that is delivering and staying true to the actuality of the events being retold.
Scoring this drama is Theodore Shapiro. His score, which includes a chorus of women, makes the film even more dramatic because of this. Shapiro makes the score the only delicate thing about this film because of the nature of the film and the seriousness of the film overall. The score adds to the drama and is perfectly balanced with it. The film also has an end-credits song, which amplifies the overall message of the film is that no one will be silenced if they talk about workplace harassment sexual to not.
As I said earlier, the film's make-up could not be more accurate and perfect than it is. It really does show the journalists in a way that is uncanny. Just like any other film based on a true story, but this film is extra detailed as it can be when it comes to the make-up and overall beauty of the film itself.
It shook not only the media by storm but the world. It is one of the most infamous media scandals of our time and its big-screen portrayal is nothing short of dazzling. I have no doubt this film will be a beacon of opportunity for anyone, man or woman, to not be afraid of speaking out against a hostile work environment. This film is an absolute sensation, even if the film gets too sensationalized in talking about the events of the scandal and the impact it had on the employees at one of the countries' television largest networks.
Poster Courtesy of Lionsgate Films
Rate: B
Director: Jay Roach
Starring: Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman, John Lithgow, and Kate McKinnon
MPAA Rating: R (for sexual material and language throughout)
Runtime: 1 Hour and 50 Minutes
Synopsis: Based on the real scandal, BOMBSHELL is a revealing look inside the most powerful and controversial media empire of all time; Fox News, and the explosive story of the women who brought down the infamous man who created it.
