Richard Jewellcouldve been a home run.

By all accounts, the character assassination of the real-life Richard Jewell was achingly plain and unjust.

Its like she showed up from a differnet film.

RICHARD JEWELL

Credit: Claire Folger/Warner Bros.

Yes, the filmmakers could have chosen another way to dismantle what they consider an unprofessional and depraved press.

Deeds, Law & Order.

Critically, its taken a searing that it may not have otherwise.

Richard-Jewell-olivia-wilde

Warner Bros.

Perhaps the box office and reviews are more reflective ofRichard Jewells unconventional hero.

It could have afforded the same lesson for its conventional villain.