Film No 4 (2020) Jan. 21st. 6:45 PM LUNA PALACE Leederville.
"There was blood coming out of her eyes. There was blood coming out of her wherever ....... " (Donald Trump reacting to an interview he did in 2016 with Fox host Megyn Kelly).
So, before Weinstein there was Roger Ailes; they were cut from the same lecherous cloth. Bombshell is the movie version (not to be confused with The Loudest Voice, TV series) of the bravery shown by Gretchen Carlson (NicoleKidman) and Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron) in bringing Ailes to heel. And it's a good version indeed.
And while there will be comparisons between the film and TV versions, both are very effective and tackle the same story with different emphases. Bombshell's focus, and strength, lies with the succinct way its script and sharp editing recognises the courage of Carlson and Kelly, both courageous in different ways. Theron's Kelly gives us an insight into a more professional side of Ailes. It's this view and the relationship she has built with Roger through the years and her reluctance to turn on him, that adds power to Bombshell.Kidman gives Carlson "the every reason to sue the letcher" angle but will she get the backing she needs to win her case. Jay Roach (Trumbo) takes his usual clever, legitimate approach to this important story.
Then perhaps the cleverest technique comes in the form of Kayla (Margot Robbie), a composite character embroidered with the stories of the plethora of women manipulated both physically and mentally by Ailes. Robbie takes us into Ailes's office where we gain a real sense of the horror young, attractive up and comers must have endured. The pure artistry of Bombshell is in it's sharp look (make-up and editing), clipped, succinct script and wonderful performances.
One imagines the likes of Theron, Kidman and Robbie would have made it their priority to tell this story as perfectly as they possibly could; and other than the occasional use of the tired old voice over technique, they have succeeded. 10GUMS.
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