AI Singers Are Unnervingly Good and Already Ubiquitous, Concertgoer Allegedly Orgasms While L.A. Philharmonic Plays Tchaikovskys 5th, Melanie Lynskey, Seth Meyers, and More Support WGA Amid Negotiations. Landing in theaters just as awards season nears its frenzied, Christmas release apogee, Bombshell has been steadily racking up the pre-Oscars accolades: a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, Golden Globe nods for Theron and Robbie in the Best Actress and Supporting Actress movie categories, and a Critics Choice Movie Award for Best Acting Ensemble among them. But Kayla, a figure informed by everyone and therefore by no one, also makes the movie smoother and easier than it might be. So, how do you make heroines out of characters that some in the audience will see as deeply compromised if not outright villainous? New York, (Kelly and Carlson, for instance, only share the screen once in passing in an elevator true to real life, where they worked different shifts and "almost never interacted," Randolph says.). The Bombshell Cast Looks Just Like Their Real-Life Counterparts, What to Know About 'The Hunger Games' Prequel. The long answer is that Kayla Pospisil is a composite based on a few different accounts from actual people with connections to Fox News. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. (Though whether Pirro confronted Megyn Kelly at a vending machine and asked her to do the same, as in the movie, is less clear.) Apparently making Ailes out to be a villain didnt require much embellishing. There is a quiet rage simmering throughout A Thousand And One, threatening to spill out onto the changing streets of Harlem, from the, If you were expecting to escape the Oscars with dry eyes, were sorry to say that you definitely didnt make it out unscathed. Theron's resemblance to Kelly is especially shocking. Sam and Joel reach a new level of intimacy. 'Bombshell': The Film's Most Powerful Scene - The Atlantic Bombshellpremieres in theaters everywhere December 20, 2019. Read on for a full account of whats fair, whats balanced, and whats potentially neither in the movie. If Kayla, a self-described "evangelical millennial," feels familiar, it's because the inspiration for her comes from actual accounts. After another long awards season of Hollywood doing what it does best ignoring Black art I, This story contains heavy spoilers for Creed III. Former Fox News anchor Juliet Huddy allegedly met with "Bombshell" screenwriter Charles Randolph to consult on the film in her own words and to share her own experience with Fox News. But any harassment situation has two people in the room and historically, the perpetrator has been a man. Self-described as a "evangelical millennial," she explains that she comes from a family that is fully entrenched in the world of Fox News to the point that they "watch it every Thanksgiving." Spencer Garrett (Air Force One) portrays conservative talk show host and commentator Sean Hannity. With a clean updo, thick eyeliner, and a stern smile, she's almost entirely transformed into the former Fox News anchor. But inside Ailess office, he skips past a discussion of her qualifications and simply orders her to stand and turn slowly in place so he can evaluate her physical attributes. Left: Rudi Bakhtiar. Robbieplays an ambitious, wide-eyed staffer named Kayla Pospisil. I dont know. Kelly may be the star of the show; Kayla, however, is its moral center. In it, Kayla, a young and ambitious producer at the network, gets an opportunity that doubles as currency at Fox News: a private meeting with Roger Ailes, the chairman and CEO. Written by Charles Randolph (The Big Short) and directed by Jay Roach (Austin Powers, Meet the Parents), Bombshell offers 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," according to its official synopsis. ", She mentions how the casting of Theron, Kidman and Robbie was clever; viewers will see faces they know and love, and not dig into the potentially problematic nature of the real-life views of Kelly or Carlson. Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman take on Fox News in 'Bombshell'. Roy Wood Jr.s Best Jokes at the 2023 White House Correspondents Dinner. My colleague Conor Friedersdorf, writing after the publication of the Babe.net report about an unnamed womans sexual experience with Aziz Ansari and the New Yorker story Cat Person, argued that fiction can be functional. Ultimately, 10 women publicly accused Ailes of sexual harassment, and he would go on to die the following year at 77. Ailes, played by John Lithgow, breathes heavily. Although Kayla is a fictional character, her experiences of harassment are drawn from interviews Randolph and Roach conducted with ex-Fox News staffers(some of whom violated their non-disclosure agreements to speak with filmmakers). Starting with the makeup that transformed Theron into Kelly, the films pleasures and its indictments come in large part through its painstaking re-creations of real-life people. Huddy toldThe Hollywood Reporterthat although her discussions with Randolphviolated her nondisclosure agreement with Fox, she felt like she had nothing left to lose: "I lost my house. Obviously, the blonde hair and characterization lends the character to an obvious comparison to internet-star-turned-conservative pundit, Tomi Lahren. Is The Diplomat Returning for a Season 2? Dustin is the founder and co-owner of Pajiba. While you're still processing that Pospisil is fake, allow us to take a moment of appreciation for how much Theron and Kidman look like Kelly and Carlsonthe former Fox News anchors who actually helped take down Ailes IRL. It's unclear why Jay Roach and Charles Randolph decided to change this in "Bombshell," but Kelly was quick to debunk it. However, what the film misses is just how far this hatred went during their working relationship. Right: Nicole Kidman as Carlson in. Rupert Murdoch, the media magnate at the helm of a global empire, is played by veteran actor Malcolm McDowell. Left: Rudy Giuliani. Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: As part of your account, youll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime. Right: Mark Duplass in, Left: Kimberly Guilfoyle. Rudy Giuliani (yes, he even weaseled his way into the Ailes scandal) is portrayed by actor Richard Kind. The Stand up and give me a twirl sequence required a particular form of self-awareness. Is Kate McKinnon's 'Bombshell' Character Based On A Real Person? - Bustle This attention to detail has ensured that even while the movie itself endured mixed reviews, Baker, Hiro, and Morgan have earned consistent praise. To play anchor Gretchen Carlson, host Megyn Kelly, and composite character Kayla Pospisil. Right: Nazanin Boniadi. I often have a good sense of what transpired during those two hours, give or take, and dont re, Latines love entertainment. It is through Kayla that the horrors and humiliations of sexual harassment are brought to the films screen. Instead, the character is inspired by 20 real-life accounts. "Wow! This drama follows three central characters working at Fox News: Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), and Kayla Pospisil (Margot Robbie). Left: Greta Van Susteren. The film's most chillingscene is a private meeting between Ailes and Kayla when he pressuresher to lift her skirt. Photo illustration by Slate. "When you're in the room and you appreciate the intonations and context of it, you can see how it could be utterly life-changing and maddening and complicated for a young woman,' " Randolph says. on. I wanted the breathing to be unmistakably monstrous. She may not be based on a single person, but Robbie's character endures some painful scenes throughout the filmI won't drop too many spoilers herethat were inspired by real-life events, and unfortunately make Kayla Pospisil all too relatable for millions of women. By joseph / June 19, 2022 Kayla Pospisil is a fictitious news network staffer who is played by Margot Robbie with Fox's distinctive bleached-blonde hairstyle. Ailes was more deferential of Trump than Rupert initially was, and this may have worked to the sons advantage in eventually pushing for Ailes ouster. The Roys continue their downward spiral into total desperation as Matsson and their dead father loom over every decision they make. Ailes himself tried to weaponize the Fox News apparatus to attack and discredit Carlson and eventually Kelly. She is the product of a literature review, basically: Kaylas experiences in the film are summaries of several of the allegations made about Ailes in sexual-harassment lawsuits that Fox News employees brought against the network. The best scene of Bombshell, the based-on-a-true-story dramatization of sexual harassment at Fox News, is one that never really happened. After losing her job in unfair circumstances, Carlson files a lawsuit against Fox News boss Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) for sexual harassment(via Variety). Bollywoods silver-screen darling is both at the top of her game and just getting started. Here, too, are wide-ranging tragedies expressed through an aesthetic that verges on cartoonish. Margot Robbie Says Her 'Bombshell' Character Will End Up - Variety Charles and I didnt do anything without checking with her and our women producers and studio execs., Based on Brandts (and later, Roachs) extensive script research which involved reading Ailess accusers court affidavits about the sexual misconduct that they were subjected to at Fox and interviewing female former Fox News employees the filmmakers strenuously avoided making Ailes into a one-note, mustache-twirling villain. Bombshell (2019 film) - Wikipedia Roger Ailes attempted to force himself on Kelly three times early in her career, and she rebuked him. However, Dargis does go on to comment that the film "does a good job of presenting the ordinary assaults that women, even those with great privilege, can endure simply to get through a day.". All the nudity of porn, but with the plot and storylines of mainstream film. (Image credit: Lionsgate - Hilary B Gayle), The Ultimate Guide to Stylish PJs for Moms: Heres What to Buy and Gift This Mothers Day, Examining the Lengthy Fallout Between the Once Close Prince Harry and Kate Middleton, Three Mishaps You May Have Missed from Prince William and Kate Middletons Royal Wedding on This Day in 2011, The 'Barbie' Movie Poster Is Already This Year's Most Iconic Meme, Documentaries About Black History to Educate Yourself With, The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals, 'Princess Diaries 3' Is Happening, And I Absolutely Won't "Shut Up" About It, 90 Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired By Movies and TV Shows, Megyn Kelly's Most Controversial Moments Ever, Margot Robbie Wore Sharon Tate's Jewelry in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'. Megyn Kelly Responds To 'Bombshell,' Reveals Roger Ailes - HuffPost Veteran actor Malcolm McDowell portrays Rupert Murdoch, the media tycoon at the top of a worldwide empire. Another difference between the film and real life may be the intensity of toxicity that is portrayed. This fabricated moment was addressed in the Kelly panel by former "Fox News Live" associate producer Julie Zann: "This is shameful because it is unfactual it is victim shaming this is sending the wrong message.". questioning then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, former "Fox News Live" associate producer Julie Zann. But in reality, there is no singular person that the Pospisil character is based on. Margot Robbie plays a fictitious news producer named Kayla Pospisil. The black room and the employing of detectives to dig up dirt was real, too. But this is how it happens, and it takes someone like Gretchen Carlson who I am sure has her own host of problematic issues separate from this to build enough personal capital in order to sacrifice it (and her career) to finally put a stop to men like Ailes. This incident is shown accurately in the film, down to the specific words used by Wilson. Get to know who's who in the cast before you watch the movie in theaters. ", Review: Charlize Theron transforms into Megyn Kelly, blasts the Fox News patriarchy in 'Bombshell', 'I want my voice back': Gretchen Carlson calls for change on big 'Bombshell' day. LOS ANGELESIn "Bombshell," Margot Robbie and John Lithgow figure in the film's most disturbing sexual harassment scene. Only the bravest celebs will go full catboy at 2023s Met Gala. They managed, nevertheless, to continue what was obviously a successful relationship together at Fox News. The last three years are ones of backward motion so accelerated that sometimes I wake up nauseous and seasick. Fact Versus Fiction: How 'Bombshell' Tells the Truth About Sexual Assault The real Megyn Kelly addressed this in the discussion mentioned above after watching the movie for herself,describing it as a "fantasy." Bombshell's Cast Compared the Real Fox News Workers, in Photos The film stars Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly, Nicole Kidman as Gretchen Carlson, and Margot Robbie as fictional news producer Kayla Pospisil. Right: Malcolm McDowell. NY 10036. But McKinnons character allows Bombshell to do something else, as well: to serve up a scene in which Jess and Kayla are lying in Jesss bed, ostensibly having slept together. Right: Anne Ramsay. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. "All the women who filed complaints about him who havegone public have been really brave in articulating specifically what happened to them," Randolph says. All rights reserved. All the show tunes! Fiction affords a kind of freedom. But we tried to communicate as much as we could with everybody." It is painful to watch. In April 2017, The New York Times reported that Wendy Walsh claimed she was not given a job at the network as a result of turning down sexual advances from then-host Bill O'Reilly. When other victims come forward against Ailes, the movie portrays Kelly as keeping herself separate from them. She endures some of the toughest scenes in the film. Based on the true story of the 2016 sexual assault suit against Roger Ailes, the CEO and chairman of Fox News, "Bombshell" was directed by Jay Roach and stars Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie. While we cannot be sure what is true, it appears that the women were not given much freedom in regards to their appearance. He indeed occupied a second-floor suite at the News Corp. headquarters in New York City with a camera outside his door. In "Bombshell," Robbie's Kayla Pospisil sleeps with Kate McKinnon 's closeted lesbian character Jess Carr after a drunken night at the bar. For example, Anne Ramsay (Mad About You) plays news anchor Greta Van Susteren. "What happens inside of Roger's office is based on the stories of three women we had access to," Randolph says. Ultimately, though, this wasn't true. She brings none of the baggage that comes with a real existence. Pospisil also mentions how she can prove her brand of "Christian millennial" is profitable by the millions of Instagram followers she has. "Bombshell" also illustrates Ailes' predatory behavior: asking women to spin in front of him during meetings, and demanding that on-air talent wearshort skirts to show off their legs. John Lithgow as Roger Ailes is in the bunch, sporting a heavy dose of prosthetics. Kellys decision to come forward about the harassment she faced toward the beginning of her time at the company was similarly complicated and perhaps not as heroic as Bombshell makes it out to be: As Ailes biographer and former New York magazine reporter Gabriel Sherman wrote: Carlsons lawsuit presented an opportunity. Alongside Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron, as Fox and Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson and The Kelly Files host Megyn Kelly, respectively, Robbie plays a composite character intended to represent the various women who came forward with horrific sexual-misconduct charges during Ailess tenure overseeing the top-rated news network. Michelle Obama and Bruce Springsteen Tore Up the Stage with Glory Days. "Her being ideologically ferventlike a dedicated Republican, but a little sexually fluid and utterly morally sincere, that's based more on women in my life. In addition, the movie portrays Ailes as giving Kelly a pat on the back for this situation, and perhaps unsurprisingly, this was also untrue. The scene is intimate. The initial allegation of misconduct came from a Ailes biography in 2014, "The Loudest Voice in the Room" by Gabriel Sherman. Kayla Pospisil, the ambitious young evangelical millennial producer (played by Margot Robbie) who works for Carlsons show when she is introduced, is a composite character invented for the movie. Kayla Pospisil, played by Margot Robbie, is instead a composite figurea woman woven from the stories of multiple real-life people. She just said, Listen, I trust you and I trust the way youre coming at this. Charlizes collaboration and power in the overall hierarchy was imperative. Obviously, the blonde. You\'ll receive the next newsletter in your inbox. Every once in a while, the backward motion will hit a snag Roger Ailes exit from Fox News, Trumps impeachment but it returns to its regular pace the following day. Ailes resigned in 2016 and died a year later at the age of 77. The rest is pulled from Randolph's evangelical upbringing. Its not Megyn Kellys fault that Roger Ailes was a monster. ", The film shows a competitive work environment at Fox News for female anchors and producers, many of whom rarely spoke or befriended each other. Kelly then comes forward with her own case of harassment, followed by more than 20 other women (via Vulture). Bombshell is a fine enough film it's competently made, the performances are terrific, and it is sufficiently crazymaking but there are two phenomenal scenes in the film that make it well worth seeing. Toward the beginning of "Bombshell," Kayla has a drunken hookup with Jess ( Kate McKinnon ), a fellow Bill O'Reilly producer who is a closeted lesbian and, more damningly at Fox News, a secret. Bombshell shows Carlson planning her lawsuit against Roger Ailes diligently, as Carlson apparently did in real life too. Former Fox host Juliet Huddy reveals how she's been left with - MEAWW Female Fox personalities like Jeanine Pirro and Greta Van Susteren also spoke up for Ailes eagerly. Some of them were still working at Fox.
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