The Richard Jewell Case

In 1996, Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) would like to be a real cop. But his somewhat simple-minded nature keeps getting in the way. But even as a security guard, Jewell feels like a real lawman. And so he meticulously makes sure that the rules are followed during a party at the Olympic Games in Atlanta. But in fact it is his seemingly excessive attention that saves countless lives. For when Jewell discovers a suspicious backpack, it turns out to be a bomb. The unassuming security guard then becomes a hero - until he himself is caught in the crosshairs of the investigation just a few days later. For the press, it's a feast for the eyes, because Jewell fits much better into the image of a confused bomber than that of a shining hero. Desperate, he seeks help from anti-establishment lawyer Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell) - but is he strong and smart enough to clear Jewell's name against the accusations of the FBI, police and press?

With The Case of Richard Jewell, Clint Eastwood once again directs a story based on true events. Security guard Richard Jewell, who died in 2007, was suspected of being responsible for the bombing at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park, which probably claimed only two lives due to Jewell's intervention. The drama vividly shows how Jewell was stigmatized as a terrorist precisely because of the prejudice of the press, which did not want to sell him as a shining hero. His manner and demeanor fit perfectly into this image, which is why the tabloids in particular really pounced on him to rip him apart.

Paul Walter Hauser plays the role of the good-natured, but also somewhat simple-minded Richard Jewell really great. On the one hand, you can tell his heart is in the right place, but on the other hand, you understand why outsiders have found him odd or perhaps a bit trying. Kathy Bates is great as Richard's guiding mother - no wonder it earned an Oscar nomination. But the film's secret star is Sam Rockwell, who makes every minute he's on screen as the quirky lawyer a delight. Praise is also due to Olivia Wilde, who handles her very thankless role as a ruthless reporter willing to sacrifice someone's reputation for a good headline with bravura.

At a running time of over two hours, The Richard Jewell Case is a bit plodding in places. Still, Clint Eastwood, now 90, has directed a strong drama that scores points with a stirring story, a great ensemble, and some extremely rousing moments. Not quite a masterpiece, but a very good film that more than deserves an absolutely worth seeing rating.

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp