Charlize Theron plays Megyn Kelly and a fat makeup-swaddled John Lithgow is Roger Ailes in “Bombshell.” (Lionsgate)

Charlize Theron plays Megyn Kelly and a fat makeup-swaddled John Lithgow is Roger Ailes in “Bombshell.” (Lionsgate)

‘Bombshell’ doesn’t shed much new light on Fox News sex scandal

The actors portraying Roger Ailes, Megyn Kelly and Gretchen Carlson all do fine work; the director, not so much.

There are workplaces where a meeting with the boss is a great thing: a chance to plan projects, learn valuable lessons, maybe get appreciated for what you do.

It was a little different at Fox News when Roger Ailes ruled the roost. Women called into Ailes’ office might understandably dread the experience, as the predator-in-chief was capable of overt sexual harassment or gross mind games.

This behavior, well-documented in a series of books, magazine articles and lawsuits (Fox has paid out tens of millions to settle harassment cases), gets another airing in “Bombshell,” an all-star movie. The focus here is not on Ailes, who died in 2017, but on some of his top employees.

Three women carry the story: nighttime anchor Megyn Kelly (played by Charlize Theron, who also produced the film), morning-show host Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) and a composite character, played by Margot Robbie, who represents the dilemma of an ambitious young woman at the start of her career. Unfortunately, she’s Roger’s type.

Screenwriter Charles Randolph (an Oscar winner for “The Big Short”) weaves together an account of Carlson’s 2016 sexual-harassment lawsuit with Kelly’s slow-burning decision to bolster Carlson’s claims by talking about her own creeped-out encounters with Ailes.

In the midst of all that, Kelly gets on the wrong side of the GOP nominee-to-be after she asks hard-nosed questions at a 2015 Republican debate. When Donald Trump declares that Kelly “had blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her wherever,” he makes her the story.

Ailes is played by John Lithgow, under a mass of prosthetic makeup. As you might expect, Lithgow is skillful at bringing this powerful figure to life — and even making him pathetic rather than merely monstrous.

The supporting cast is decorated with snappy people, including Allison Janney as Ailes lawyer Susan Estrich, Malcolm McDowell as Fox owner Rupert Murdoch and “SNL” star Kate McKinnon as a Fox employee swept up in the paranoid corporate culture.

The lead actresses are all convincing, and Theron in particular captures Kelly’s lethal manner, which always suggested someone ready to throw down in a street fight with the razor blade she had hidden in her mouth.

The movie sets up a weird dynamic: While we absolutely root for the Fox women in their legal action, we can’t quite forget that they’ve made a fortune by serving up Ailes’ incendiary views for years. That’s a complicated formula, and director Jay Roach (who did the “Austin Powers” films before turning to political material like “Game Change”) can’t really pull it off.

If you were paying attention during these times, “Bombshell” doesn’t illuminate much, except to allow good actors to animate the headlines. It has moments that connect, like the look on Robbie’s face when she realizes her journalistic dreams are directly related to Ailes’ desire to see her underwear.

There’s also a movie to be made of the gatekeeper (Holland Taylor) who sits outside Ailes’ office door, waving in the visitors. She knows what’s happening in there, but participates in a sick system. The frauds and monsters in positions of power deserve exposure — and so do the enablers sitting at the door.

“Bombshell” (2½ stars)

This account of the sexual-harassment epidemic at Fox News doesn’t really illuminate much of its sordid story, although the actors are in strong form. Charlize Theron plays Megyn Kelly, watchfully observing the lawsuit by Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) against Fox predator-in-chief Roger Ailes (John Lithgow); Margot Robbie co-stars.

Rating: R, for language, subject matter

Opening Friday: Alderwood Mall, Cinebarre Mountlake Terrace, Everett Stadium, Marysville, Meridian, Pacific Place, Thornton Place, Woodinville, Cascade Mall

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Sequoia photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
If Big Is Better, 2024 Toyota Sequoia Is Best

4WD Pro Hybrid With 3-Rows Elevates Full-Size

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser revives its roots

After a 3-year hiatus, the go-anywhere SUV returns with a more adventurous vibe.

Enjoy the wilderness in the CX-50. Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Capability to Turbo Options

Line-Up Receives More Robust List Of Standard Equipment

Practical And Functional bZ4X basks in sunshine. Photo provided by Toyota Newsroom.
2024 bZ4X Puts Toyota Twist On All-Electric SUV’s

Modern Styling, Tech & All-Wheel Drive Highlight

Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatch Delivers Value

Plus Functionality of AWD And G-Vectoring

2025 Mazda CX-90 Turbo SUV (Provided by Mazda)
2025 CX-90 Turbo models get Mazda’s most powerful engine

Mazda’s largest-ever SUV is equipped to handle the weight, with fuel efficiency kept in check.

Provided by Bridges Pets, Gifts, & Water Gardens.
Discover where to find the best pet supplies in town

Need the perfect store to spoil your furry friends? Herald readers have you covered.

VW Jetta SEL is a sedan that passes for a coupe. Photo provided by Volkswagen U.S. Media.
2025 VW Jetta Offers Greater Refinement, Technology And Value

A Perfect Choice For Small Families And Commuters

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.