Where it falters - and badly - is in its portrayal of real-life reporter Kathy Scruggs. It leaves a bitter taste and mars the whole package, undermining its own good work elsewhere.

The story Eastwood is telling here is indeed a compelling one, a real-life drama recounting the abuse of power by the two most powerful institutions in America, the government and the press.

Eastwood's "shut up and point the camera" style of storytelling is bluntly effective and the film is powered along by three terrific performances.

...many films are weakened by playing fast and loose with the truth; Richard Jewell has one such moment, yet offers an otherwise absorbing, engaging look at a world gone mad in a rush to judgement...