American director Maria Schrader reflects on the long investigation by two New York Times journalists. By collecting testimonies of women abused by the film’s producer, Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor helped break the silence of sexual assault in Hollywood.
Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has ruled the film industry for many years. Six-time Oscar winner, the American producer is notably behind “Sex, Lies and Video”, “Pulp Fiction” and “Will Hunting”. For a long time, this man of power has made and broken careers, taking advantage of his status to coerce the women around him into granting him sexual favors. Rumors about his unacceptable behavior can very well circulate, nothing filters through. The film industry protects him whenever he makes a mistake and the rare investigations against him go to nothing.
An investigation, a book and a film adaptation
Two New York Times reporters then decide to investigate these actions. For months they try to collect various testimonies of women abused by Harvey Weinstein. Their investigation made the front page of the New York Times in 2017. Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey won the Pulitzer Prize, which then led to the writing of a book in 2019 called “She She Said”. Maria Schrader’s film is therefore an adaptation of this work for the big screen. It underlines the strength of the women who dared to testify, after years of silence. But also the journey of these two journalists – and their editorial staff – who have dedicated themselves body and soul to bringing the truth to light.
>> Must see: the trailer of the film
Importance of investigative journalism
“She Said” highlights all the work behind investigative journalists: phone calls, e-mails, recordings of testimonies, but also protection of sources. To be as close to reality as possible, the film also shot part of the scenes in the actual New York Times newsroom. The meticulousness and rigor of this work give real weight when the investigation is published in the New York Times.
The denunciation of a predator, but also of an entire system has a “snowball” effect. Other women come out of their silence, both in the United States and elsewhere in the world. It was also at this time that the #MeToo movement took off. After decades of turning a deaf ear, people are starting to listen and more importantly believe what women say.
>> To listen to: When cinema catches the biggest scandal in its entire history – Radio column broadcast on the Mattino
A subtle and refined film
“She Said” follows the professional lives of Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, but also evokes their intimate sphere. We see them in their families, with their husbands and children. This film also deals with the postpartum depression that Megan Twohey suffered a lot after the birth of her daughter. For RTS film critic Rafael Wolf, this gives the ending a refined and realistic fiction, reinforced by the presence of actress Ashley Judd playing her own role as a victim.
Sarah Clement
