Bombshell, I think, is a must see movie. Based
on fact, it chronicles the downfall of Fox news titan Roger Ailes (played with
lecherous perfection by John Lithgow) after multiple accusations of sexual
harassment. Gretchen Carlson, former Fox and Friends co-host (Nicole
Kidman) got the ball rolling with a lawsuit and then felt shunned, twisting in
the wind, waiting for others to substantiate her claim. Headliner Megyn Kelly
(Charlize Theron) grapples with her experiences, her life, her power, and what
it could mean to come forward also. And finally, Margot Robbie is Kayla, a
composite character. She is a compilation of many women’s stories. She’s the
young foot soldier determined to make it big, to help shape America’s moral
fabric. As she climbs the ladder, she begins to question what it really
takes – must she relinquish dignity, truly climb on that casting couch.
Carlson basically was the forerunner of the Me-Too movement.
Her bravery got women talking (together and to the people who count, the ones
who can fire a man with such hubris to think that his word and power will not
be questioned). The Fox news building was abuzz with people taking sides, trash
talking, starting rumors, etc. Meanwhile, Megyn Kelly was walking a fine line.
Charlize Theron is uncanny in her portrayal of Kelly. She shows how victims
don’t always recognize the insidiousness of sexual harassment, and that an
unspoken culture of silence can help perpetuate it. (EW Jan 2020)
When Megyn Kelly made her decision to accuse Ailes, the Fox
owners – the Murdochs – recognized that this was huge, it was time for
Ailes to go. This was not a situation that could just be shoved into a corner.
Women were talking and demanding action and respect.
Bombshell handles the whole story in a very
classy manner. This isn’t strident. The movie shows the politics of power, the
actions of men and women, the culture of men and women in the workplace. The
actresses are excellent at portraying the delicate matter of negotiating the
workplace, of trying to be successful while keeping ones dignity. I was
impressed and you’ll be transfixed by Theron, worthy of Oscar buzz. Kudos all
around.
