Synopsis
Bombshell is a 2017 documentary film about the life of Hedy Lamarr, an Austrian-American actress and inventor. The film explores Lamarr’s early life, her career in Hollywood, and her work on the development of frequency hopping spread spectrum technology, which is used in modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.
Cast and Director
The film is directed by Alexandra Dean and stars Hedy Lamarr herself, as well as her daughter Denise Deluca, her son Anthony Loder, and her biographer Sheila Johnson.
Premiere Date
Bombshell premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 20, 2017, and was released on Netflix on July 28, 2017.
Story Plot
The film begins with Lamarr’s childhood in Austria, where she was raised in a wealthy family. She showed an early aptitude for mathematics and science, and she was also interested in acting. In 1933, she married a wealthy munitions manufacturer, Fritz Mandl, who was a close associate of Adolf Hitler. Lamarr was unhappy in her marriage, and she eventually escaped to the United States in 1937.
In Hollywood, Lamarr became a successful actress, starring in films such as Algiers (1938) and Samson and Delilah (1949). However, she was also frustrated by the lack of opportunities for women in the film industry. In 1942, she teamed up with composer George Antheil to develop a frequency hopping spread spectrum technology that could be used to jam enemy radar. The technology was never used during World War II, but it is now used in modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.
Critical Response
Bombshell was critically acclaimed, with praise for Dean’s direction, Lamarr’s performance, and the film’s historical accuracy. The film was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.
My Review
Bombshell is a fascinating and inspiring documentary about the life of Hedy Lamarr, an Austrian-American actress and inventor. The film tells the story of Lamarr’s early life, her career in Hollywood, and her work on the development of frequency hopping spread spectrum technology, which is used in modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.
The film is directed by Alexandra Dean and stars Hedy Lamarr herself, as well as her daughter Denise Deluca, her son Anthony Loder, and her biographer Sheila Johnson. Dean does a masterful job of weaving together archival footage, interviews, and Lamarr’s own voice to tell a compelling and nuanced story.
Lamarr was a complex and contradictory figure. She was a brilliant inventor who made significant contributions to science, but she was also a victim of sexism and exploitation in the film industry. Bombshell does not shy away from these contradictions, but it also celebrates Lamarr’s achievements and her resilience in the face of adversity.
The film is a must-see for anyone who is interested in history, science, or the power of women. It is a powerful and inspiring story about a remarkable woman who changed the world.
Here are some additional thoughts on the film:
- I was particularly impressed by the film’s historical accuracy. Dean did a lot of research to ensure that the film was accurate to the facts. This is important, especially when telling the story of a woman who has been so often overlooked and misrepresented.
- I also appreciated the film’s focus on Lamarr’s personal life. Too often, biopics focus solely on the subject’s professional achievements. Bombshell does a good job of balancing Lamarr’s personal and professional lives, which gives us a more complete picture of who she was as a person.
- Finally, I was inspired by Lamarr’s story. She was a woman who faced many obstacles in her life, but she never gave up on her dreams. She was a pioneer for women in STEM, and she changed the world with her inventions. Bombshell is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Overall, I highly recommend Bombshell. It is a powerful and inspiring film that tells the story of a remarkable woman.
Life Lessons
Bombshell teaches us a number of life lessons, including:
- Never give up on your dreams. Lamarr faced many obstacles in her life, but she never gave up on her dreams of becoming an actress and an inventor.
- Be brave. Lamarr was a brave woman who stood up for what she believed in, even when it was dangerous to do so.
- Never underestimate the power of women. Lamarr was a pioneer for women in the film industry and in the field of science.
Conclusion
Bombshell is a powerful and inspiring film that tells the story of a remarkable woman. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in history, science, or the power of women.