Weinstein: Hollywood’s Reckoning (2019)
In 2019, the documentary “Weinstein: Hollywood’s Reckoning” delved into the seismic events surrounding the downfall of Harvey Weinstein, a once-powerful studio mogul and movie producer. This film, directed by Barry Avrich, chronicles the unraveling of Weinstein’s empire and the simultaneous rise of the #MeToo movement.
The documentary opens with an insider’s account of Weinstein’s reign—a man who redefined independent cinema’s viability while allegedly wreaking havoc on countless women’s lives and careers. The film doesn’t shy away from the explosive scandal that rocked Hollywood: sexual harassment. Avrich and his editors, Michele Hozer and Darby MacInnis grapple with the fast-paced events that unfolded during this critical period.
While “The Reckoning: Hollywood’s Worst Kept Secret” serves as a concise primer on the sexual harassment scandals that swept through show business, it doesn’t necessarily unearth new revelations. Instead, it reinforces what we already know: Weinstein’s predatory behavior and the courage of those who came forward to expose it.
The documentary features interviews with several of Weinstein’s victims, including actress Melissa Sagemiller, who recounts his aggressive sexual advances during the shooting of the 2001 Miramax comedy Get Over It. Journalist Lauren Sivan also shares her experience of Weinstein’s disturbing behavior when he masturbated in front of her during a restaurant tour.
Notably absent are interviews with high-profile figures like Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan, who faced Weinstein’s harassment. However, astute commentary comes from journalists such as Ken Auletta, the late David Carr, and The Hollywood Reporter’s Kim Masters.
Avrich adds musical irony to the narrative, using recordings like Nina Simone’s “Sinnerman” and Leonard Cohen’s “Everybody Knows.” He also emphasizes Weinstein’s unattractive appearance through repeated close-ups—a metaphorical shot at a man who once wielded immense power.
Surprisingly, the documentary extends beyond Weinstein’s story. It briefly touches on allegations involving other prominent figures like Bill O’Reilly, Louis C.K., Aziz Ansari, James Toback, and even Woody Allen’s alleged sexual abuse of his daughter, Dylan Farrow. Despite this breadth, the film remains a methodical exploration of a pivotal moment in Hollywood history, where power dynamics shifted, secrets were exposed, and a movement was born
