She also begins a sexual relationship with another woman (Kate McKinnon) on O'Reilly's staff. It's unclear why Jay Roach and Charles Randolph decided to change this in "Bombshell," but Kelly was quick to debunk it. Roach, the Emmy-winning writer-director behind Recount (2008) and Game Change (2012), and screenwriter Charles Randolph acknowledge the optics of taking on a project like Bombshell, particularly in an era when female filmmakers are still underrepresented in Hollywood. Kayla Pospisil is a fictional person created solely for the film but does reflect the specific experiences of victims. "Each hair is hand-tied one by one," hairstylist Anne Morgan told the Washington Post, explaining the level of care and labor that went into them. In an interview with Roach, Randolph, and producer Michelle Graham, Graham highlighted that Ailes would isolate the women from one another and pit them against each other. As detailed in a 2016 New York Magazine feature, Carlson made her allegations public first, after experiencing years of sexual harassment, and her accounts were later confirmed by Kelly, who alleged that she had also been subject to Ailess predations, leading to a reported eight-figure settlement for Carlson and the executives ouster from the conservative-leaning cable giant he helped build. Ive never filmed anything as excruciating.. Pospisil begins to tell Carr about what happened, but Carr interrupts, saying she cannot get involved. And Ugly Betty's Tony Plana transforms into talk show host Geraldo Rivera. November 23, 2022 by by The infamous leg cam mentioned in the movie is reportedly real, and accounts by former employees who tried to speak up about harassment, like Rudi Bakhtiars and Andrea Mackris, were reportedly company lore during Ailes reign. She pulls the dress up higher, her hands trembling, until her underwear is exposed. The filmits pun of a title offers a hint at whats to comehas a kaleidoscopic quality. The real Megyn Kelly addressed this in the discussion mentioned above after watching the movie for herself,describing it as a "fantasy." A timeline of Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, and Selena Gomezs love triangle. Here, see just how close Bombshell's cast came to looking like the real Fox employees who inspired the film. 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). Photos by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle SMPSP/Lionsgate and Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for American Magazine Media Conference. The movie leaves out the fun detail that when it became clear that Ailes was on his way out at Fox, Estrich, meaning to send a statement to the Drudge Report, accidentally sent a draft of his $40 million separation agreement, which Drudge then published, and unpublishedthough some questioned whether this was a mistake or negotiating tactic. Robbie plays Kayla Pospisil, a fictional composite. Nicole Kidman takes on the role of Gretchen Carlson, the Fox News anchor whose diminishing position at the network stands in contrast with Kellys. Ailes himself tried to weaponize the Fox News apparatus to attack and discredit Carlson and eventually Kelly. Then we'll see what happens.'" "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. By the end of the movie, it appears that the resignation of Roger Ailes completely fixes all of the sexual misconduct problems on Fox News. Kellys decision to reveal that to the private law firm investigating sexual harassment at Fox News was the straw that broke the rapists back, but it didnt prevent dozens of episodes from happening in the years before Gretchen Carlson sued Roger Ailes. 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. Published. But "Bombshell" leaves the circumstances around her mystery illness intentionally vague. Adam McKay Has Sold His Next Celebrity Hangout. All the dance numbers! While there have been examples of secret liberals within the walls of Fox News over the years, no one of her specific profilea lesbian who supports Hillary Clinton and works for OReillywas part of any of the reporting surrounding the Ailes scandal. Obviously, the blonde hair and characterization lends the character to an obvious comparison to internet-star-turned-conservative pundit, Tomi Lahren. T he new film Bombshell, which recently snagged two Golden Globe and four SAG Awards nominations, tells the true story of the sexual harassment scandal that took down Roger Ailes, the head of Fox . "What happens inside of Roger's office is based on the stories of three women we had access to," Randolph says. Photo illustration by Slate. That is the uncomfortable fact of this film. "Roger said, 'How dare you have a cup of coffee from a guy you don't know. Her character is also informed by interviews Bombshells filmmakers conducted with many of the women who made those claims. It wouldnt have been as sleek. Left: Rupert Murdoch. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). The other terrific scene, which illustrates whats really the thesis of the film, is a conversation between Kayla and Therons Megyn Kelly. Within the fiction of Bombshell, Pospisil is an associate producer who moves from Gretchen Carlson's program to The O'Reilly Factor. However, Bakhtiar's story goes further than this, as she progressed from her first experience of sexual misconduct at Fox News to standing up alongside Gretchen Carlson. Lionsgate While the three leading stars appeared in the initial teaser released in August, the full-length preview gave a . The real-life events upon which "Bombshell" is based werepivotal for the early #MeToo movement (via Variety), and the film does its best to present this authentically. Sort of! I just wanted to make sure the emotional levels were there and that the empathy you would feel for this is just devastating. During a post-screening Q&A with Jay Roach and Charles Randolph, they discussed the importance of their research ahead of making this film in order to create an accurate and faithful representation. Her other panelists labeled her as a support system during the tumultuous time in real life. We learn that this is a rule enforced by Ailes and it was a bigger issue than explored in the film. 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. 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. However, as with any film rooted in reality, directors and writers are able to take creative liberties for the benefit of the story and take them they do. A lifelong Fox News fanatic and young evangelical ("I see myself as an influencer in the Jesus space," she says), Kayla soon. The writer Jill Filipovic explained the scenes power like this: Reading about sexual harassment dulls it. Probably. In some ways, thats a productive thing. 'In the ratings, right?' "Ailes had three different lawyers who we let Giuliani stand in for," Randolph says. Likewise with Kayla: Her willingness to look the other way creates this dynamic, and she realizes at the end that it affects herself. Left: Abby Huntsman. ", The film shows a competitive work environment at Fox News for female anchors and producers, many of whom rarely spoke or befriended each other. "It shows the degree in which Roger was one of the drivers of the Republican establishment. But it could never tip into exploitativeness, says Randolph, who claimed a 2016 Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for his work on the financial dramedy The Big Short. Later in the film, it's revealed that she was asked to give sexual favors to Ailes. Along with Kidman and Robbie, Theron also had a custom wigand all three headpieces cost the production between $7,000 and $10,000 apiece. Director Jay Roachtold IndieWire (opens in new tab)that Pospisil is based on a number of women who spoke to filmmakers about Ailes' harassment. Connie Britton takes on the role of Beth Ailes, Roger Ailes's wife. Kayla Pospisil is a fictional employee at the news network, portrayed by Margot Robbie in Fox's signature bleached-blonde style. 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.". Does she come forward with the truth? Group, a Graham Holdings Company. All the show tunes! (In the movie, this is a dramatic third-act reveal.) In the growing list of Academy Award contenders, Bombshell is one film that has been buzzing for a long time. But any harassment situation has two people in the room and historically, the perpetrator has been a man. Its not Megyn Kellys fault that Roger Ailes was a monster. If you wanted to be a Republican public intellectual, all avenues went through Roger Ailes' office, and that mattered in terms of his ability to prey on young people who hadaspirations. Carlson was a well-known Fox News personality from 2005 until June 23 of this year, when her contract wasn't renewed. This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By letting the abuse play out in real time, Randolph hopes male viewers, in particular, will feel uncomfortable but also feel greater empathy for victims. The case against Ailes snowballed shortly after . In real life, Ailes had at least one employee, Laurie Luhnwho eventually publicly accused him of harassment herselfwhose job included luring young female Fox employees into one-on-one meetings with Ailes that Luhn knew would likely result in harassment, as New York magazine reported. This is one of those situations where you have to let Charlize and other female producers lead the way. 21/04/2023 As IndieWire notes, Charlize Theron alluded during anEllen DeGeneres Showappearance to Kayla being an amalgamation of real stories: "We used a lot of source material in finding the story and also spoke to a lot of women who were part of the story. It was two years later that Carlson made her first statement against Ailes and the scandal spilled out into the public eye, leading to much more extensive coverage. Theron's resemblance to Kelly is especially shocking. However, what the film misses is just how far this hatred went during their working relationship. In an article atThe Ringer,Sherman wrote:"Although he may not have intended it, Ailes' confrontational response to the reporting of this book was as revealing as any comment he would have made in the course of an extended interview.". Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. You know, the one when Lizzie and Miranda attempt to purchase their first bras by lying about needing sc, In 2020, an old theory resurfaced on the internet hypothesizing that world famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven may have actually been Black, sparking cont, Rarely do I watch a movie that leaves me truly perplexed. last updated October 14, 2021 In Bombshell, the buzzy, upcoming movie based on the downfall of Fox CEO Roger Ailes at the hands of the women he'd harassed, Margot Robbie plays a character named. Malcolm McDowell portrays Rupert Murdoch, media mogul and owner of News Corp., whose many properties include Fox News. Rupert Murdoch, and Malcolm McDowell as Rupert Murdoch. Ailes did have friends and allies, too, including Rudy Giuliani (played by Richard Kind in the movie) and his lawyer, Susan Estrich (played by Allison Janney), despite her background as a staunch feminist. Carlson and Kelly both deny having involvement with the film, though Carlson has started a campaign about the necessity of throwing out NDAs in relation to cases of sexual assault and harassment. According to Randolph, important details down to the specific scene with Kayla and Ailes were taken accurately from these interviews. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman take on Fox News in 'Bombshell'. When Just-Fine Feels Like A Failure: Just Another 'Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker' Review. Kayla isnt based on a single persons experience, but is actually based on, Basically, Kayla may not be a real person, but her story calcifies one of the main themes in, Bombshell Kayla Pospisil Is Based On Many Real People, I distinctly remember that Lizzie McGuire episode. ", 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. .css-o05pt{display:block;font-family:Didot,Didot-fallback,Georgia,Times,serif;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-shadow:0 0 0 #000,0 0 0.01em transparent;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-o05pt:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-o05pt{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.25rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-o05pt{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-o05pt{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-top:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-o05pt{font-size:1.39461rem;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0.9375rem;}}What to Know About 'The Hunger Games' Prequel, The True Story Behind Love & Death's Ax Murder, Elizabeth Olsen Isn't Here to Judge Anyone, Here's Kate & Will in 'The Crown' Season 6, 'And Just Like That' Season 2 Is Back This June, Succession's 'Quiet Luxury' Is Actually Attainable, List of Yellowjackets Season 2 Fan Theories. The last three years are ones of backward motion so accelerated that sometimes I wake up nauseous and seasick. Roger Ailes, and John Lithgow as Roger Ailes. Industry professionals are tweeting their support of guild members. This character is another composite. 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. 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. The next day, Ailes begins sexually harassing Pospisil. The initial allegation of misconduct came from a Ailes biography in 2014, "The Loudest Voice in the Room" by Gabriel Sherman. The software that cloned Drake and the Weeknds voices is easy to useand impossible to shut down. But we tried to communicate as much as we could with everybody." Photo illustration by Slate. Alanna Ubach (Coco, Legally Blonde) also makes a cameo as Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, who also defended Ailes. Spencer Garrett (Air Force One) portrays conservative talk show host and commentator Sean Hannity. This incident is shown accurately in the film, down to the specific words used by Wilson. The film was directed by Jay Roach ("Trumbo") and written by Charles Randolph ("The Big Short"), who breaks down what's fact, fiction and somewhere in between. Another difference between the film and real life may be the intensity of toxicity that is portrayed. Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly revealed Thursday that she watched "Bombshell" with several other former Fox News staffers depicted in the film, which chronicles allegations of sexual harassment, and the culture of secrecy surrounding them, involving the network's founder Roger Ailes. Megyn Kelly's Most Controversial Moments Ever (opens in new tab), Margot Robbie Wore Sharon Tate's Jewelry in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' (opens in new tab). "Megyn has a good ear for absurdist details.". Along with Esquire, his work has appeared in NYLON, Vulture, and USA Today. Right: Alanna Ubach in. Idon't have anything.". Many of them embody familiar Fox News talents. For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for theMarie Clairenewsletter. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the sites day-to-day editorial operations. Let's break down exactly what was missed from this important story. new york mets minor league teams; little tikes dino cozy coupe assembly instructions; is stuart ramsay married; drummer needed for tour 2021. losing isaiah i threw him away monologue But Kayla Pospisil is not. Why is Fox News being sued again over alleged sexual harassment? Here, too, are wide-ranging tragedies expressed through an aesthetic that verges on cartoonish. It certainly was for me in the room. She really had been speaking to her attorneys far in advance of filing the actual lawsuitin New Jersey and against Ailes personally, rather than the company, to avoid arbitrationand its also true that she had started recording her conversations with Ailes in the year or so leading up to her firing. In an article from The Guardian, however, a Fox News spokesperson said, "No edict exists on what women are required to wear." She is the one who is capable of breaking the movies fourth wall, speaking directly to the audience. Similarly, Is Kayla supposed to be Tomi Lahren? It is painful to watch. His deep dislike for Carlson is right in the center of "Bombshell," and this chilling exchange emphasizes just how far this goes. Photo illustration by Slate. Murdochs sons, Lachlan and James, are played by real-life brothers, Ben and Josh Lawson, respectively. Many films like "Bombshell" are heavily embellished to assist the transition from just education to entertainment. The character frees the film of the obligations that come with telling true stories about real people. It is primary-colored and stylized and dizzying. Seeing it is a crucial reminder of how repulsive and destructive Ailes, and sexual harassers like he was alleged to be, can be.. Kelly then comes forward with her own case of harassment, followed by more than 20 other women (via Vulture). Then there's "Mad About You" star Richard Kind, who portrays Ailes' longtime friend and confidante Rudy Giuliani. Her lawsuit against Ailes opened the . Elisabeth Rohm (Law & Order) portrays Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum. The reality of this workplace would be extreme for those who experienced it and perhaps difficult to capture in one film. Kayla ends up having a one-on-one with Ailes (John Lithgow) to discuss her career path at Fox. Apparently making Ailes out to be a villain didnt require much embellishing. For Bombshell, a trio of A-listersNicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, and Margot Robbiewere Fox-ified. Megyn Kelly approves of Charlize Theron's 'Bombshell' casting. Jay did bring something to it thats specifically male, the writer says. Would Laura Mulvey also have some things to say about it? The "Saturday Night Live" favorite is a scene-stealer as Kayla's savvy co-worker Jess Carr, a closeted lesbian and liberal who has complicated feelings about working at a network that preaches against her values and lifestyle. There were good arguments about how disturbing Rogers breathing [should] be, says Roach. In 2016, Carlson sued Ailes for sexual harassment, which led more women, including Kelly, to come forward with allegations against the Fox News CEO. Heres how it works. Margot, who plays Kayla Pospisil in the film that dramatizes the . The drama (in theaters now)goes behind the scenes at Fox News in 2016. Offline, shes likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop. As in the movie, some news sites like Breitbart reported that some of Foxs top talent promised to quit if Ailes were removed, but such a pact did not actually exist and may have been planted by Rogers team. The other women expressed anger at a scene they said was fictional, where the aspiring anchor Kayla Pospisil, portrayed by Robbie, scolds Kelly's character, played by Charlize Theron. That is the challenging conversation in Bombshell, and like this season of Apple TVs The Morning Show, it goes to complicity. Megyn Kelly, and Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly. Why Does Kim Kardashian Do This to Christmas? On her first day on The O'Reilly Factor, Kayla Pospisil meets fellow female staffer Jess Carr, and the two sleep together. Though Margot couldn't copy the mannerisms, speech patterns, and looks for her character like Charlize and Nicole could, she's still getting a lot of attention for her part in Bombshell. At the center of Bombshell (opening Dec. 20) are Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), and Kayla Pospisil (Margot Robbie), all news anchors or producers at Fox News . Comedian Kevin Dorff portrays Bill O'Reilly, and Shes Out of My Leagues Alice Eve plays Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt. But I do think that as men capturing this sense of muscular predation, how that dynamic works is something that maybe we would not have come to so quickly had we been women.. There are certainly things that we, as men, probably missed that a female director or a female writer would have gotten. Also, Bombshell is a great airplane film, or at least a good enough movie to watch at home after its digital release, if only for Margot Robbies fantastic supporting performance (and pillow talk with Kate McKinnon). Some of them were still working at Fox. Kelly reported in real life that Ailes was furious over her line of questioning, telling her that there was to be "no more female empowerment stuff." Slate is published by The Slate Kidman looks quite similar to Carlson too, in a fuchsia sheath dress and the Miss-America-winner-turned-TV-commentator's signature blonde bob. After another long awards season of Hollywood doing what it does best ignoring Black art I, This story contains heavy spoilers for Creed III. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, It sure seems like it! And while the film notes that there are a lot of similarities between Bombshell and real life, certain parts of the film were fabricated, including one of its lead characters. 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. (The sons, it must be said, arent quite as handsome in real life as the movie makes them out to be.). Much of what the movie tells us about him is backed up by accounts of the scandal. Why would anyone want to watch that play out again for two hours in Bombshell? Carlson didnt owe anybody shit, but had she not said something, men like Ailes; his successor; Bill OReilly; Bill Shine; and Charles Payne would still be at Fox News, and they would still be harassing women, and Brian Kilmeade and Steve Doofus would still be openly harassing their Fox & Friends co-host on air. The inclusion of Kayla in the film as a composite allowed these other ex-Fox News workers to have their stories heard. 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. Lizzy Caplan Would Return for One More Season of. Ive never filmed anything as excruciating, Bombshells director, Jay Roach, said of that interaction. Charlize Theron plays Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly in Bombshell, and the movie opens as she is preparing to host a 2015 Republican presidential primary debate that would go on to cause a monthslong feud between her and future President Donald Trump. Additionally, in a Time magazine article about "Bombshell," it's said that Ailes' personality was overwhelming and intimidating, helping to create a climate in which his employess worked in a constant state of fear. Randolph highlighted his various interviews with victims who wished to share their stories, noting that through this, he was able to create the character of Kayla to represent them in a fictional but authentic way. She is the one whose arc, in the film, bends the most sharply. Visit our corporate site. After losing her job in unfair circumstances, Carlson files a lawsuit against Fox News boss Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) for sexual harassment(via Variety). But realistically, that would have been a suicide mission for me and my career.. What are you, crazy?' Starring Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie, the film chronicles the sexual misconduct allegations and subsequent downfall of Fox News CEO, Roger Ailes. A number of other recognizable stars appear in the film that we didn't get to see in the trailer. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Ailes resigned in 2016 and died a year later at the age of 77. Bombshell is a work of uncanniness. Right: Richard Kind. The U2 singer called his Zelenskyy portrait a few squiggles and I just got out of the way.. Unfortunately, it is actually worse.". Only the bravest celebs will go full catboy at 2023s Met Gala. All due respect, but Obama was fucking wrong. 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. Both involve Margot Robbie, whose role is small here but pivotal and terrific. Margot Robbie's character Kayla Pospisil is not a real . The movies anecdote from a makeup artist at the network who helped primp female employees on their way to see RogerOne of them came back down after a meeting, and the makeup on her nose and chin was gonealso comes directly from reporting of the scandal. Both Kayla and Jess are compositescharacters meant to tell the stories of women who could not speak for themselves. We would hear these stories about the spin, the director says. While nondisclosure agreements have kept many of those women publicly silent, Kayla, in a sense, gives them a voice. He asks again. In "Bombshell," this is word-for-word in accuracy, butviewers are led to believe that Kelly discussed this question before the debate with Lachlan and James Murdoch. To play anchor Gretchen Carlson, host Megyn Kelly, and composite character Kayla Pospisil. Right: Robin Weigert portraying Smith in. With the emotional adventure of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever closing out the controversial fourth, Joseph Bologne Could Have Been As Big As Beethoven In, Angela Bassett Doesnt Owe The Oscars A Thing Not Even A Smile, Tessa Thompson Talks Going To Couples Therapy With Michael B. Jordan, one of the people who agreed to be interviewed. (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'.
Gail Patrick Obituary,
Most Powerful Demons In Mythology,
Tennessee Tornado Risk Map,
Lacroix Sauce Hollandaise,
Wigan Warriors Players Salary,
Articles D
did kayla pospisil sleep with roger