She Said

Tropic Sprockets by Ian Brockway

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“She Said” is a highly detailed and excellent depiction of the Harvey Weinstein investigation uncovered by reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. It is based on the book by the same name. Directed by Maria Schrader (“I’m Your Man”), the film has a stark and painful accuracy that is no less engrossing and brings a satisfying sense of justice to those who abhorrently abuse their power over women and commit rape employing manipulative abuse, violence and fear.

New York Times reporter Twohey (Carey Mulligan) is in the midst of investigating Donald Trump (the voice of James Austin Johnson from SNL, this time playing seriously) when she gets a call from Rose McGowan alleging abuse from Weinstein but further saying she doesn’t want to go public.

Fellow journalist Kantor (Zoe Kazan) agrees to partner with her.

The pair receive a lead that Gwyneth Paltrow got pressured to perform a sexual massage when she first met Weinstein. Then Ashley Judd calls with details of sexual and psychological abuse (in the film Judd bravely plays herself). This appears to be a breakthrough. But with the three powerful accusers not willing to speak publicly, the reporters don’t have a story.

What follows is a step by step process of what happened. The coarse slippery slimy behavior of both Weinstein and Trump, merely with a voice, will have you cringing.

A fine detail to the story is the fact that both Twohey and Kantor are mothers with babies. The two reporters are not filled with hyperbole or undue rage. The pair is speaking for both themselves and generations to come.

This is a spare story that glares with impact and it packs a punch. The film is handled with a graceful skilled and exactitude almost approaching Zen. Much like “Spotlight” (2015) highlighting the pedophilia of the Catholic Church, and “All the President’s Men” (1976), “She Said” scathingly highlights the abusing pestilence that lives like a cancer underneath one of our most beloved industries: entertainment and film.

The moment when Rose McGowan agrees to speak publicly along with Judd and three other women is volcanic, iconic, and highly emotional.

According to research, Weinstein was charged with 11 counts of rape, forcible oral copulation and sexual battery. He is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence.

Twohey and Kantor deserve to be put alongside Bob Woodward and ‘Spotlight’ journalists Mike Rezendes, Matt Carroll and Marty Baron. The work of this New York Times duo is equally crucial and precious.

Write Ian at ianfree11@yahoo.com