Unveiling the Truth: The Story Behind the Weinstein Investigation
In 2016, Megan Twohey, portrayed by Carey Mulligan, penned a series of impactful articles for The New York Times, shedding light on the disturbing behavior of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. While the power of the press didn’t alter the election’s outcome, Twohey, undeterred, partnered with fellow journalist Jodi Kantor, played by Zoe Kazan. Kantor had caught wind of numerous sexual harassment allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Together, these determined women embarked on a quest to find and amplify the voices of the victims, aiming to expose the truth.
Carey Mulligan as Megan Twohey in “She Said”
Five years have passed since the collective bravery of countless women and the relentless pursuit of journalists shattered the wall of silence, ultimately leading to the powerful producer facing justice. The wounds are still fresh, the memories vivid, and the Weinstein case continues to unfold (with a recent trial just a month ago). Now is the time to reflect on the meticulous work that went into the exposé and acknowledge those who ignited one of the decade’s most significant movements. It’s important to note that Ronan Farrow, son of Mia Farrow and Woody Allen, was also working on a similar article for The New Yorker. However, Maria Schrader’s film, “She Said,” is based on the book of the same name by the New York Times journalists, whose investigation preceded Farrow’s. All three received the Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for their contributions.
Zoe Kazan as Jodi Kantor in “She Said”
A Deep Dive into Investigative Journalism
In the vein of other compelling journalism dramas like “Spotlight” and “The Post,” “She Said” meticulously portrays the painstaking process of investigative reporting. Megan and Jodi tenaciously pursue every lead, no matter how small, that might uncover new information. They drop everything to travel across continents, with no guarantee that the victims will be willing to speak. They answer phone calls at all hours of the day and night, hoping to hear a crucial piece of information on the other end. Importantly, the journalists are not portrayed as one-dimensional characters simply fulfilling a role. Both Megan and Jodi are well-developed characters whose personal lives add a realistic depth to the story. These women are not only talented journalists but also mothers who grapple with postpartum depression, exhaustion, and family obligations.
Zoe Kazan as Jodi Kantor in “She Said”
The Power of What’s Unseen
The decision to keep Weinstein off-screen feels like a deliberate and powerful choice. Glimpses from behind, an angry voice on the phone, whispers in hotel rooms – all of this creates a palpable sense of the producer’s presence and his immense influence on those around him. The filmmakers avoid depicting the violence itself; instead, we see the victims, disoriented and tearful, in the aftermath of workplace harassment. Ironically, this restraint enhances our understanding of the characters: the trauma divides their lives into “before” and “after,” and even recalling the events becomes a form of torture. The film’s dramatic impact is amplified by the inclusion of Ashley Judd playing herself – a reminder that the actress was one of the first to speak out against Weinstein.
A Catalyst for Change
As Megan and Jodi gradually uncover the horrifying truth, they begin to realize that this is not just about exposing the powerful Weinstein or even challenging the film industry; it is about the opportunity to change a deeply ingrained culture. Show business is merely the tip of the iceberg, which has already begun to crack in the name of global change. The fact that the conversation about abuse continues and that films are being made about it is a significant, but far from final, step in the fight for women’s rights. After all, as the journalists themselves say, if this happened to Hollywood actresses, who else is vulnerable?