Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie, and Nicole Kidman headline “Bombshell,” Jay Roach’s 2019 drama about former Fox News head Roger Ailes and the toxic workplace environment he created. The film ended up being nominated for three Academy Awards, including ‘Best Makeup’ and ‘Best Hairstyling’ for Charlize Theron’s unrecognisable transformation into TV anchor and journalist Megyn Kelly. Casting directors Ben Harris (“What We Do in the Shadows,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World“) and Allison Jones (“Lady Bird,”) bring a plethora of talented individuals to “Bombshell,” and with it came great success.
The film is set against the backdrop of the United States’ 2016 presidential election; it follows three women: Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), and the fictitious Kayla Pospisil (Margot Robbie). As the film progresses, these three women must face controversy and sexual harassment as they bid to expose the toxicity behind the scenes at Fox News.
Great Performances from Theron, Kidman, and Robbie
All three leading ladies give sensational performances. Theron’s remarkable transformation leaves the Oscar-winner completely disguised behind Megyn Kelly’s strong personality, giving a strong and powerful performance. Kidman delivers a knockout performance as she takes on the mantle of Gretchen Carlson.
However, perhaps the best performance comes from Margot Robbie; she portrays fictional character Kayla Pospisil (thought to be a culmination of many women’s experiences while working at Fox). Robbie’s dazzling performance lingers in the air and sticks with you long after the credits roll. “Bombshell” also features strong performances from “Saturday Night Live” star Kate Mckinnon, Alison Janney, Liv Hewson, Brigette Lundy-Paine, and Rob Delaney. It also features a chilling turn from John Lithgow, who plays Roger Ailes.
Some Technical Aspects Don’t Measure Up
Despite featuring knockout performances from its cast, “Bombshell” unfortunately falls flat with many of its technical aspects. Barry Ackroyd’s clunky, fly-on-the-wall style cinematography can be cumbersome. This, mixed with awkward fourth wall breaking, makes you feel you’re watching a documentary opposed to an intense drama. The constant, unneeded zooms and the chaotic, and at times just plain bad, editing is messy and unnecessary. “The Big Short” writer Charles Randolph pens a lacklustre script, which is just another one of the film’s problems. These ultimately hinder the film from reaching its full potential; with more appropriate cinematography and a more interesting script, this could have been one of 2019’s best films.
Margo Robbie stars as the fictionalized Kayla Pospisil in “Bombshell.” (Photo: BRON Studios).
A Weighty Message About Sexual Harassment
Arguably the film’s best scene comes when all three women meet in an elevator; and even though the women exchange almost no words, the short scene oozes with tension and suspicion. “Destroyer” composer Theodore Shapiro’s score is equally packed with uncertainty. Although the movie may have its share of problems, Roach still delivers a powerful about showcase about sexual harassment; this is all without being disrespectful to the real-life women involved. The film overlooks the women’s more morally questionable sides (including Kelly’s history of racist comments), instead asking you to root for them from a feminist point-of-view.
Jay Roach delivers a powerful showcase about sexual harassment…”
Showcasing three masterful turns from its lead actresses, “Bombshell” features some of 2019’s best performances that unfortunately end up entangled in a film with long list of technical problems. Not only is it a powerful exposé on the inner workings of the toxic Fox News environment, “Bombshell” delivers a weighty message about sexual harassment.
“Bombshell” is currently available to watch on Spectrum TV, The Roku Channel, EPIX NOW, EPIX, ROW8, Apple TV, Prime Video, Redbox., VUDU or Vudu Movie & TV Store.
Support the Site: Consider becoming a sponsor to unlock exclusive, member-only content and help support The Movie Buff!
