Film Recommendations:

JUNE 2023:

Directed by Maria Schrader, Screenplay by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Based on "She Said" by Jodi Kantor, and Megan Twohey, Produced by Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner, Starring: Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, Samantha Morton, Ashley Judd, with Cinematography by Natasha Braier, Edited by Hansjörg Weißbrich, with Music by Nicholas Britell, Production companies: Annapurna Pictures, and Plan B Entertainment, and Distributed by Universal Pictures. (2022)
She Said (2022)

She Said Read The Book…

Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey‘s 2019 book, She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement, is a gripping and profound account of the two New York Times investigative reporters groundbreaking investigation into Harvey Weinstein’s history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women. This work stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to investigative journalism and their role in sparking the #MeToo movement. Recommending this book is not only an acknowledgment of its extraordinary impact but also an essential call to recognize the transformation it has brought to our culture and society.

Jodi Kantor (born April 21, 1975) is an American journalist. She is a New York Times correspondent whose work has covered the workplace, technology, and gender. She has been the paper's Arts & Leisure editor and covered two presidential campaigns, chronicling the transformation of Barack and Michelle Obama into the President and First Lady of the United States. Kantor was a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for her reporting on sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein. Kantor is the author of the book The Obamas and She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story that Helped Ignite a Movement about the Harvey Weinstein investigation. She is a contributor to CBS This Morning and has also appeared on Charlie Rose, The Daily Show and The Today Show. Kantor was included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018. Megan Twohey (/ˈtuːi/) is an American journalist with The New York Times. She has written investigative reports for Reuters, the Chicago Tribune, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Twohey's investigative reports have exposed exploitative doctors, revealed untested rape kits, and uncovered a secret underground network of abandoned unwanted adopted children. Her investigative reports have led to criminal convictions and helped prompt new laws aimed at protecting vulnerable people and children. On October 5, 2017, Twohey and fellow New York Times journalist Jodi Kantor published a report about Harvey Weinstein detailing decades of sexual abuse allegations, and more than 80 women publicly accused Weinstein of sexually abusing or assaulting them. This led to Weinstein's firing and helped to ignite the viral #MeToo movement started by the American activist Tarana Burke. That work was honored in 2018, when The New York Times was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. Kantor and Twohey won the George Polk award and were named to Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people of the year. Twohey and Kantor subsequently authored a book which chronicled their report about Weinstein, titled She Said. The book was published in 2019, and adapted into a film of the same name in 2022. In addition to winning the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, Twohey was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting in 2014. Photo Credit: Google Images
"She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement" is a 2019 nonfiction book written by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, two New York Times investigative reporters who exposed Harvey Weinstein's history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women, a catalyst for the burgeoning MeToo movement. The book was published on September 10, 2019 by Penguin Press. Photo Credit: Amazon
"She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement" is a 2019 nonfiction book written by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, two New York Times investigative reporters who exposed Harvey Weinstein's history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women, a catalyst for the burgeoning MeToo movement. The book was published on September 10, 2019 by Penguin Press. Photo Credit: Amazon
In October 2017, The New York Times and The New Yorker reported that more than a dozen women accused Weinstein of sexually harassing, assaulting, or raping them. Many other women in the film industry subsequently reported similar experiences with Weinstein, who denied "any nonconsensual sex". As a result of these allegations, Weinstein was dismissed from his production company, suspended from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He also resigned from the Directors Guild of America and was denounced by leading figures in politics whom he had supported. The Los Angeles Police Department opened a criminal investigation for alleged rape, and New York and London police began investigating other sexual assault allegations. On October 10, 2017, Weinstein's wife, Georgina Chapman, announced that she was leaving him; their divorce was finalized in July 2021. The sexual abuse allegations precipitated a wave of "national reckoning" against sexual harassment and assault in the United States known as the Weinstein effect. Compounded by other sexual harassment cases earlier in the year, the Weinstein reports and subsequent #MeToo hashtag campaign, which encouraged individuals to share their suppressed stories of sexual misconduct, created a cavalcade of allegations across multiple industries that brought about the swift ouster of many men in positions of power both in the United States and, as it spread, around the world. Photo Credit: Google Images
Tablet computer with news articles Photo Credit: Getty Images
#MeToo[a] is a social movement and awareness campaign against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicize their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment. The phrase "Me Too" was initially used in this context on social media in 2006, on Myspace, by sexual assault survivor and activist Tarana Burke. The hashtag #MeToo was used starting in 2017 as a way to draw attention to the magnitude of the problem. "Me Too" empowers sexually assaulted people (especially young and vulnerable women of color) through empathy, solidarity, and strength in numbers, by visibly demonstrating how many have experienced sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace. Following the exposure of numerous sexual-abuse allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein in October 2017, the movement began to spread virally as a hashtag on social media. On October 16, 2017, American actress Alyssa Milano posted on Twitter, "If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote 'Me too' as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem," saying that she got the idea from a friend. A number of high-profile posts and responses from American celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd, Jennifer Lawrence, and Uma Thurman, among others, soon followed. Widespread media coverage and discussion of sexual harassment, particularly in Hollywood, led to high-profile terminations from positions held, as well as criticism and backlash. After millions of people started using the phrase and hashtag in this manner in English, the expression began to spread to dozens of other languages. The scope has become somewhat broader with this expansion, however, and Burke has more recently referred to it as an international movement for justice for marginalized people. After the hashtag #MeToo went viral in late 2017, Facebook reported that almost half of its American users were friends with someone who said they had been sexually assaulted or harassed. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Protesters gather as Harvey Weinstein arrives at a Manhattan court house on January 06, 2020 in New York City. Weinstein, a movie producer whose alleged sexual misconduct helped spark the #MeToo movement, pleaded not-guilty on five counts of rape and sexual assault against two unnamed women and faces a possible life sentence in prison. Photo Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

**1. Courage and Tenacity:**

Kantor and Twohey demonstrated immense courage and tenacity throughout their investigative journey. They delved fearlessly into the darkest corners of power and privilege, persevering in the face of legal threats and personal risks. Their unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth is an inspiration for aspiring journalists and advocates of justice.

Jodi Kantor (born April 21, 1975) is an American journalist. She is a New York Times correspondent whose work has covered the workplace, technology, and gender. She has been the paper's Arts & Leisure editor and covered two presidential campaigns, chronicling the transformation of Barack and Michelle Obama into the President and First Lady of the United States. Kantor was a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for her reporting on sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein. Kantor is the author of the book The Obamas and She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story that Helped Ignite a Movement about the Harvey Weinstein investigation. She is a contributor to CBS This Morning and has also appeared on Charlie Rose, The Daily Show and The Today Show. Kantor was included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018. Megan Twohey (/ˈtuːi/) is an American journalist with The New York Times. She has written investigative reports for Reuters, the Chicago Tribune, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Twohey's investigative reports have exposed exploitative doctors, revealed untested rape kits, and uncovered a secret underground network of abandoned unwanted adopted children. Her investigative reports have led to criminal convictions and helped prompt new laws aimed at protecting vulnerable people and children. On October 5, 2017, Twohey and fellow New York Times journalist Jodi Kantor published a report about Harvey Weinstein detailing decades of sexual abuse allegations, and more than 80 women publicly accused Weinstein of sexually abusing or assaulting them. This led to Weinstein's firing and helped to ignite the viral #MeToo movement started by the American activist Tarana Burke. That work was honored in 2018, when The New York Times was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. Kantor and Twohey won the George Polk award and were named to Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people of the year. Twohey and Kantor subsequently authored a book which chronicled their report about Weinstein, titled She Said. The book was published in 2019, and adapted into a film of the same name in 2022. In addition to winning the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, Twohey was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting in 2014. Photo Credit: Google Images
In October 2017, The New York Times and The New Yorker reported that more than a dozen women accused Weinstein of sexually harassing, assaulting, or raping them. Many other women in the film industry subsequently reported similar experiences with Weinstein, who denied "any nonconsensual sex". As a result of these allegations, Weinstein was dismissed from his production company, suspended from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He also resigned from the Directors Guild of America and was denounced by leading figures in politics whom he had supported. The Los Angeles Police Department opened a criminal investigation for alleged rape, and New York and London police began investigating other sexual assault allegations. On October 10, 2017, Weinstein's wife, Georgina Chapman, announced that she was leaving him; their divorce was finalized in July 2021. The sexual abuse allegations precipitated a wave of "national reckoning" against sexual harassment and assault in the United States known as the Weinstein effect. Compounded by other sexual harassment cases earlier in the year, the Weinstein reports and subsequent #MeToo hashtag campaign, which encouraged individuals to share their suppressed stories of sexual misconduct, created a cavalcade of allegations across multiple industries that brought about the swift ouster of many men in positions of power both in the United States and, as it spread, around the world. Photo Credit: Google Images

**2. Empowering Survivors:**

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of She Said is the platform it provides for survivors to share their stories. Kantor and Twohey’s work empowered countless women to speak out about their experiences, shining a light on the culture of silence and fear that had long enabled abuse. Their reporting became a catalyst for a global movement, demonstrating the transformative power of storytelling.

The various female victims of Harvey Weinstein, it is not all of them, just a select few of the women he abused sexually and harassed for decades with impunity. Photo Credit: Google Images
Time Magazine cover of the #Metoo Movement and the women who broke their silence and launched a movement. Photo composite by Billy & Hells for TIME. Swift photographed Nov. 16 in Los Angeles; Pascual, Iwu, Judd, Fowler and Anonymous photographed Nov. 19 in San Francisco. Photo Credit: TIME Magazine

**3. Cultural Impact:**

She Said underscores the transformative cultural impact of Kantor and Twohey’s investigative journalism. Their work did not merely expose the misdeeds of one man but catalyzed a global conversation about sexual harassment, abuse, and the abuse of power. By recommending this book, we acknowledge the pivotal role it played in the shifting societal attitudes and behaviors that define our era.

The New York Times reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey cover the Dec. 14 issue of Variety. Photo Credit: The New York Times Company

**4. Journalism’s Ethical Compass:**

Kantor and Twohey’s commitment to ethical journalism shines through in their work. They navigated complex legal and ethical challenges with a steady hand, preserving the dignity of their sources while presenting the truth. Their approach is a model of ethical reporting that merits recognition.

Jodi Kantor (born April 21, 1975) is an American journalist. She is a New York Times correspondent whose work has covered the workplace, technology, and gender. She has been the paper's Arts & Leisure editor and covered two presidential campaigns, chronicling the transformation of Barack and Michelle Obama into the President and First Lady of the United States. Kantor was a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for her reporting on sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein. Kantor is the author of the book The Obamas and She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story that Helped Ignite a Movement about the Harvey Weinstein investigation. She is a contributor to CBS This Morning and has also appeared on Charlie Rose, The Daily Show and The Today Show. Kantor was included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018. Megan Twohey (/ˈtuːi/) is an American journalist with The New York Times. She has written investigative reports for Reuters, the Chicago Tribune, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Twohey's investigative reports have exposed exploitative doctors, revealed untested rape kits, and uncovered a secret underground network of abandoned unwanted adopted children. Her investigative reports have led to criminal convictions and helped prompt new laws aimed at protecting vulnerable people and children. On October 5, 2017, Twohey and fellow New York Times journalist Jodi Kantor published a report about Harvey Weinstein detailing decades of sexual abuse allegations, and more than 80 women publicly accused Weinstein of sexually abusing or assaulting them. This led to Weinstein's firing and helped to ignite the viral #MeToo movement started by the American activist Tarana Burke. That work was honored in 2018, when The New York Times was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. Kantor and Twohey won the George Polk award and were named to Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people of the year. Twohey and Kantor subsequently authored a book which chronicled their report about Weinstein, titled She Said. The book was published in 2019, and adapted into a film of the same name in 2022. In addition to winning the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, Twohey was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting in 2014. Photo Credit: Google Images

**5. Behind-the-Scenes Insights:**

She Said provides readers with a rare behind-the-scenes look at the investigative process, offering a glimpse into the challenges, strategies, and personal sacrifices made to bring their story to the public. It underscores the dedication and rigor that define investigative journalism at its best.

"She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement" is a 2019 nonfiction book written by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, two New York Times investigative reporters who exposed Harvey Weinstein's history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women, a catalyst for the burgeoning MeToo movement. The book was published on September 10, 2019 by Penguin Press. Photo Credit: Amazon

**6. Structural Integrity:**

The book’s narrative structure is exemplary, skillfully weaving between the personal lives of Kantor and Twohey and the unfolding investigation. This balance humanizes the protagonists and maintains the reader’s engagement, all the while underscoring the emotional and professional sacrifices of investigative journalism.

(L-R) Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor attend The Hollywood Reporter 2022 Power 100 Women in Entertainment presented by Lifetime at Fairmont Century Plaza on December 07, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Presley Ann/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images
The New York Times Newsroom. Photo Credit: Vanity Fair

**7. Transparency and Accountability:**

Kantor and Twohey‘s dedication to transparency in their reporting is commendable. They maintained the highest standards of journalism, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of their work. Their commitment to accountability helped counter attempts to discredit their investigation.

(L to R) Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, and convicted predator and multiple rapist ex producer Harvey Weinstein. Photo Credit: Google Images

**8. Impact on Gender Equity:**

The investigation’s impact extends far beyond the world of journalism. It influenced the entertainment industry, leading to significant changes and a commitment to gender equity. She Said is a testament to the ability of investigative journalism to initiate social change.

"She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement" is a 2019 nonfiction book written by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, two New York Times investigative reporters who exposed Harvey Weinstein's history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women, a catalyst for the burgeoning MeToo movement. The book was published on September 10, 2019 by Penguin Press. Photo Credit: Amazon

**9. Recognition and Awards:**

She Said and its authors received numerous accolades, including the George Polk Award, the Gerald Loeb Award, and a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, all recognizing their remarkable work in journalism. These awards are a testament to the profound impact of their reporting.

"She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement" is a 2019 nonfiction book written by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, two New York Times investigative reporters who exposed Harvey Weinstein's history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women, a catalyst for the burgeoning MeToo movement. The book was published on September 10, 2019 by Penguin Press. Photo Credit: Amazon
The George Polk Awards in Journalism are a series of American journalism awards presented annually by Long Island University in New York in the United States. A writer for Idea Lab, a group blog hosted on the website of PBS, described the award as "one of only a couple of journalism prizes that means anything". Photo Credit: Google Images
LIU presents the internationally acclaimed George Polk Awards, one of the most coveted journalistic honors, which has recognized world-renowned journalists since 1949. Photo Credit: PRNewsFoto/Long Island University
The Gerald Loeb Awards open the 2018 Call for Entries in 12 competition categories for all journalists and media outlets. Enter online from January 11 to February 15. http://bit.ly/loeb2018 Photo Credit: PRNewsfoto/UCLA Anderson School of Mgmt
The Gerald Loeb Awards, also referred to as the Gerald Loeb Awards for Distinguished Business and Financial Journalism, is a recognition of excellence in journalism, especially in the fields of business, finance and the economy. The award was established in 1957 by Gerald Loeb, a founding partner of E.F. Hutton & Co. Loeb's intention in creating the award was to encourage reporters to inform and protect private investors as well as the general public in the areas of business, finance and the economy. Photo Credit: Google Images
The Pulitzer Prize for Public Service is one of the fourteen American Pulitzer Prizes annually awarded for journalism. It recognizes a distinguished example of meritorious public service by a newspaper or news site through the use of its journalistic resources, which may include editorials, cartoons, photographs, graphics, video and other online material, and may be presented in print or online or both. The Public Service prize was one of the original Pulitzers, established in 1917, but no award was given that year.[1] It is the only prize in the program that awards a gold medal and is the most prestigious one for a newspaper to win.[2] As with other Pulitzer Prizes, a committee of jurors narrows the field to three nominees, from which the Pulitzer Board generally picks a winner and finalists. Finalists have been made public since 1980. The Pulitzer Board issues an official citation explaining the reason for the award. Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
Staff members from The New York Times and The New Yorker (from left: Megan Twohey, Jodi Kantor, Ronan Farrow, 1994 General Nonfiction winner David Remnick, Deidre Foley-Mendelssohn, Michael Schmidt, Emily Steel and 1996 International Reporting winner David Rohde) accept the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service from Columbia University President Lee Bollinger (far left). Photo Credit: Eileen Barroso/Columbia University

Recommendation of the Film She Said Written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz:

Rebecca Lenkiewicz for his adapted screenplay for 'She Said' Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons

The 2022 film She Said, directed by Maria Schrader and based on the 2019 book of the same title by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, is a powerful and commendable adaptation that brings the investigative journey to the big screen. Starring Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan, the film offers a compelling cinematic experience that echoes the profound impact of the #MeToo movement and the significance of investigative journalism. Recommending She Said is an acknowledgment of its success in preserving the authenticity of the investigation while adding cinematic depth to the story.

Directed by Maria Schrader, Screenplay by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Based on "She Said" by Jodi Kantor, and Megan Twohey, Produced by Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner, Starring: Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, Samantha Morton, Ashley Judd, with Cinematography by Natasha Braier, Edited by Hansjörg Weißbrich, with Music by Nicholas Britell, Production companies: Annapurna Pictures, and Plan B Entertainment, and Distributed by Universal Pictures. (2022)
29 November 2022, Berlin: Director Maria Schrader comes to the premiere of her film "She Said". Photo Credit: Paul Zinken/picture alliance via Getty Images
"She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement" is a 2019 nonfiction book written by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, two New York Times investigative reporters who exposed Harvey Weinstein's history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women, a catalyst for the burgeoning MeToo movement. The book was published on September 10, 2019 by Penguin Press. Photo Credit: Amazon
Carey Mulligan, and Zoe Kazan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
#MeToo is a social movement and awareness campaign against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicize their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment. The phrase "Me Too" was initially used in this context on social media in 2006, on Myspace, by sexual assault survivor and activist Tarana Burke. The hashtag #MeToo was used starting in 2017 as a way to draw attention to the magnitude of the problem. "Me Too" empowers sexually assaulted people (especially young and vulnerable women of color) through empathy, solidarity, and strength in numbers, by visibly demonstrating how many have experienced sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace. Following the exposure of numerous sexual-abuse allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein in October 2017, the movement began to spread virally as a hashtag on social media. On October 16, 2017, American actress Alyssa Milano posted on Twitter, "If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote 'Me too' as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem," saying that she got the idea from a friend. A number of high-profile posts and responses from American celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd, Jennifer Lawrence, and Uma Thurman, among others, soon followed. Widespread media coverage and discussion of sexual harassment, particularly in Hollywood, led to high-profile terminations from positions held, as well as criticism and backlash. After millions of people started using the phrase and hashtag in this manner in English, the expression began to spread to dozens of other languages. The scope has become somewhat broader with this expansion, however, and Burke has more recently referred to it as an international movement for justice for marginalized people. After the hashtag #MeToo went viral in late 2017, Facebook reported that almost half of its American users were friends with someone who said they had been sexually assaulted or harassed. Photo Credit: Getty Images
(L to R) Zoe Kazan, and Carey Mulligan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)

**1. Fidelity to the Source Material:**

She Said remains faithful to Kantor and Twohey’s book, ensuring that the essence of their reporting and the real-life events are accurately depicted on screen. The film respects the integrity of their work, preserving the authenticity of the narrative.

Directed by Maria Schrader, Screenplay by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Based on "She Said" by Jodi Kantor, and Megan Twohey, Produced by Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner, Starring: Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, Samantha Morton, Ashley Judd, with Cinematography by Natasha Braier, Edited by Hansjörg Weißbrich, with Music by Nicholas Britell, Production companies: Annapurna Pictures, and Plan B Entertainment, and Distributed by Universal Pictures. (2022)
Jodi Kantor (born April 21, 1975) is an American journalist. She is a New York Times correspondent whose work has covered the workplace, technology, and gender. She has been the paper's Arts & Leisure editor and covered two presidential campaigns, chronicling the transformation of Barack and Michelle Obama into the President and First Lady of the United States. Kantor was a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for her reporting on sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein. Kantor is the author of the book The Obamas and She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story that Helped Ignite a Movement about the Harvey Weinstein investigation. She is a contributor to CBS This Morning and has also appeared on Charlie Rose, The Daily Show and The Today Show. Kantor was included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018. Megan Twohey (/ˈtuːi/) is an American journalist with The New York Times. She has written investigative reports for Reuters, the Chicago Tribune, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Twohey's investigative reports have exposed exploitative doctors, revealed untested rape kits, and uncovered a secret underground network of abandoned unwanted adopted children. Her investigative reports have led to criminal convictions and helped prompt new laws aimed at protecting vulnerable people and children. On October 5, 2017, Twohey and fellow New York Times journalist Jodi Kantor published a report about Harvey Weinstein detailing decades of sexual abuse allegations, and more than 80 women publicly accused Weinstein of sexually abusing or assaulting them. This led to Weinstein's firing and helped to ignite the viral #MeToo movement started by the American activist Tarana Burke. That work was honored in 2018, when The New York Times was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. Kantor and Twohey won the George Polk award and were named to Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people of the year. Twohey and Kantor subsequently authored a book which chronicled their report about Weinstein, titled She Said. The book was published in 2019, and adapted into a film of the same name in 2022. In addition to winning the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, Twohey was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting in 2014. Photo Credit: Google Images
"She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement" is a 2019 nonfiction book written by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, two New York Times investigative reporters who exposed Harvey Weinstein's history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women, a catalyst for the burgeoning MeToo movement. The book was published on September 10, 2019 by Penguin Press. Photo Credit: Amazon
(L to R) Carey Mulligan, Frank Wood, Patricia Clarkson, and Zoe Kazan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
(L to R) Carey Mulligan, and Zoe Kazan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)

**2. Stellar Performances:**

Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan deliver outstanding performances as Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, respectively. They capture the determination, emotional toll, and relentless pursuit of the truth that marked the real-life journalists. Mulligan and Kazan bring depth and authenticity to their roles, making the audience feel the weight of their journey.

(L to R) Megan Twohey, Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, and Jodi Kantor in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
(L to R) Carey Mulligan, and Zoe Kazan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
(L to R) Zoe Kazan, and Carey Mulligan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
(L to R) Zoe Kazan, and Carey Mulligan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
(L to R) Zoe Kazan, and Carey Mulligan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)

**3. Supporting Cast Excellence:**

The film’s supporting cast, including Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, and Samantha Morton, adds depth and credibility to the storytelling. Their performances enrich the narrative and create a believable backdrop for the central characters. Ashley Judd‘s appearance as herself adds an extra layer of authenticity to the film.

Patricia Clarkson in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
Andre Braugher in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
Jennifer Ehle in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
Samantha Morton in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
Ashely Judd in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)

**4. Direction and Cinematography:**

Maria Schrader’s direction, coupled with the cinematography by  Natasha Braier, effectively captures the intensity of the newsroom and the challenges faced by Kantor and Twohey. The film succeeds in conveying the atmosphere of investigative journalism, showcasing both the high-stakes nature of their work and the emotional toll it takes.

Maria Schrader directing Carey Mulligan in "She Said" (2022) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures
Natasha Braier attends the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 08, 2020 in Santa Monica, California. Photo Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Natasha Braier directing the cinematography in "She Said" (2022) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures
(L to R) Andre Braugher, Frank Wood, Patricia Clarkson, Zoe Kazan, and Carey Mulligan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
(L to R) Zoe Kazan, Carey Mulligan, Frank Wood, Andre Braugher, and Patricia Clarkson in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)

**5. Emphasis on Journalism:**

She Said places significant emphasis on the journalistic process, highlighting the rigorous research, extensive interviews, and ethical dilemmas that Kantor and Twohey navigated. The film offers a valuable behind-the-scenes look at the making of their groundbreaking story.

Directed by Maria Schrader, Screenplay by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Based on "She Said" by Jodi Kantor, and Megan Twohey, Produced by Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner, Starring: Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, Samantha Morton, Ashley Judd, with Cinematography by Natasha Braier, Edited by Hansjörg Weißbrich, with Music by Nicholas Britell, Production companies: Annapurna Pictures, and Plan B Entertainment, and Distributed by Universal Pictures. (2022)
(L to R) Patricia Clarkson, Carey Mulligan, and Zoe Kazan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
Zoe Kazan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
Carey Mulligan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
(L to R) Samantha Morton, and Zoe Kazan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
(L to R) Peter Friedman, Patricia Clarkson, Zoe Kazan, and Carey Mulligan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
The moment that Jodi (far right), Megan (second from right) and their editors publish their exclusive report against Weinstein on October 5, 2017. Photo Credit: The New York Times

**6. Cultural Significance:**

The film not only captures the essence of Kantor and Twohey’s investigation but also reflects the broader cultural impact of their work. She Said serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of the #MeToo movement and the broader shift in societal attitudes toward abuse and harassment. It underscores the role of journalism in driving social change.

New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor leave the courtroom before Harvey Weinstein exits a courthouse after turning himself in on rape charges in New York, New York. Photo Credit: Sam Hodgson for The New York Times
Directed by Maria Schrader, Screenplay by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Based on "She Said" by Jodi Kantor, and Megan Twohey, Produced by Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner, Starring: Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, Samantha Morton, Ashley Judd, with Cinematography by Natasha Braier, Edited by Hansjörg Weißbrich, with Music by Nicholas Britell, Production companies: Annapurna Pictures, and Plan B Entertainment, and Distributed by Universal Pictures. (2022)
Samantha Morton in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
#MeToo is a social movement and awareness campaign against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicize their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment. The phrase "Me Too" was initially used in this context on social media in 2006, on Myspace, by sexual assault survivor and activist Tarana Burke. The hashtag #MeToo was used starting in 2017 as a way to draw attention to the magnitude of the problem. "Me Too" empowers sexually assaulted people (especially young and vulnerable women of color) through empathy, solidarity, and strength in numbers, by visibly demonstrating how many have experienced sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace. Following the exposure of numerous sexual-abuse allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein in October 2017, the movement began to spread virally as a hashtag on social media. On October 16, 2017, American actress Alyssa Milano posted on Twitter, "If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote 'Me too' as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem," saying that she got the idea from a friend. A number of high-profile posts and responses from American celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd, Jennifer Lawrence, and Uma Thurman, among others, soon followed. Widespread media coverage and discussion of sexual harassment, particularly in Hollywood, led to high-profile terminations from positions held, as well as criticism and backlash. After millions of people started using the phrase and hashtag in this manner in English, the expression began to spread to dozens of other languages. The scope has become somewhat broader with this expansion, however, and Burke has more recently referred to it as an international movement for justice for marginalized people. After the hashtag #MeToo went viral in late 2017, Facebook reported that almost half of its American users were friends with someone who said they had been sexually assaulted or harassed. Photo Credit: Getty Images
#MeToo is a social movement and awareness campaign against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicize their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment. The phrase "Me Too" was initially used in this context on social media in 2006, on Myspace, by sexual assault survivor and activist Tarana Burke. The hashtag #MeToo was used starting in 2017 as a way to draw attention to the magnitude of the problem. "Me Too" empowers sexually assaulted people (especially young and vulnerable women of color) through empathy, solidarity, and strength in numbers, by visibly demonstrating how many have experienced sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace. Following the exposure of numerous sexual-abuse allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein in October 2017, the movement began to spread virally as a hashtag on social media. On October 16, 2017, American actress Alyssa Milano posted on Twitter, "If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote 'Me too' as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem," saying that she got the idea from a friend. A number of high-profile posts and responses from American celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd, Jennifer Lawrence, and Uma Thurman, among others, soon followed. Widespread media coverage and discussion of sexual harassment, particularly in Hollywood, led to high-profile terminations from positions held, as well as criticism and backlash. After millions of people started using the phrase and hashtag in this manner in English, the expression began to spread to dozens of other languages. The scope has become somewhat broader with this expansion, however, and Burke has more recently referred to it as an international movement for justice for marginalized people. After the hashtag #MeToo went viral in late 2017, Facebook reported that almost half of its American users were friends with someone who said they had been sexually assaulted or harassed. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Carey Mulligan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)

**7. Nuanced Portrayal of Weinstein:**

The film adopts a nuanced approach to depicting Harvey Weinstein, steering clear of one-dimensional villainy. This portrayal adds depth to the story, illustrating the power dynamics at play and the formidable challenge of taking on such a powerful figure.

Harvey Weinstein exits a courthouse after turning himself in on rape charges in New York, New York. Photo Credit: Google Images

**8. Structural Choices:**

The film’s narrative structure, edited by Hansjörg Weißbrich, skillfully weaves between the personal lives of the journalists and the unfolding investigation. This balance adds depth to the story, humanizing the protagonists and keeping the audience engaged while also shedding light on the personal sacrifices of investigative journalism.

Hansjörg Weißbrich (born 6 February 1967) is a German film editor. He contributed to more than sixty films since 1995 including Colonia, Trade and Night Train to Lisbon. Phot Credit: Google Images
(L to R) Ron Lieber, and Carey Mulligan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)
(L to R) Dayla Knapp, and Zoe Kazan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)

**9. Recognition and Awards:**

The film She Said has received critical acclaim, including a British Academy Film Award and Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay and a Golden Globe Award nomination for Carey Mulligan, acknowledging the film’s impact and the significance of its storytelling.

The 76th British Academy Film Awards, more commonly known as the BAFTAs, were held on 19 February 2023, honouring the best national and foreign films of 2022, at the Royal Festival Hall within London's Southbank Centre. Presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, accolades were handed out for the best feature-length film and documentaries of any nationality that were screened at British cinemas in 2022. The nominations were announced on 19 January 2023 via a global livestream, hosted by actors Hayley Atwell and Toheeb Jimoh, from the arts charity's newly redeveloped HQ at 195 Piccadilly, London. The EE Rising Star Award nominees, which is the only category voted for by the British public, were announced on 17 January 2023. The German-language epic anti-war drama All Quiet on the Western Front received the most nominations with fourteen, tying the record set by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) as the most nominated non-English language film in the awards' history; winning seven of these, including Best Film, Best Director (Edward Berger) and Best Film Not in the English Language, the World War I epic set a new record for the most BAFTA wins for a non-English language film. The ceremony was co-hosted by Swazi-English BAFTA- and Academy Award-nominated actor Richard E. Grant and British television personality Alison Hammond, who also helmed the backstage interviews. Presenters Vick Hope and BBC Radio 1 film critic Ali Plumb hosted the red carpet pre-show. The broadcast aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and was simulcast globally in eight countries. Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
Writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2023 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 19, 2023 in London, England. Photo Credit: Gareth Cattermole/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA
Carey Mulligan attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2023 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 19, 2023 in London, England. Photo Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage
28th Annual Critics Choice Awards Promo Header
The nominees for Best Adapted Screenplay are: - Samuel D. Hunter for 'The Whale' - Kazuo Ishiguro for 'Living' - Rian Johnson for 'Glass onion: A Knives Out Mystery' - Rebecca Lenkiewicz for 'She Said' - Sarah Polley for 'Women Talking' Photo Credit: Critics Choice Awards Twitter
The nominees for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture are: Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin Jamie Lee Curtis, Everything Everywhere All at Once Dolly De Leon, Triangle of Sadness Carey Mulligan, She Said Photo Credit: Golden Globe Awards Twitter
Carey Mulligan in a scene from the film, "She Said". Photo Credit: Universal Pictures (2022)

**Conclusion:**

She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey and the 2022 film She Said directed by Maria Schrader are both exceptional works that provide a comprehensive and powerful examination of the investigation that exposed Harvey Weinstein’s history of abuse and sexual misconduct. The book represents a pinnacle of investigative journalism, emphasizing the power of truth, courage, and ethical reporting, while the film offers a compelling cinematic adaptation that preserves the integrity of their work while adding a rich layer of emotion and depth to the narrative. Recommending both the book and the film is a celebration of their significant impact on our society and culture, as well as an acknowledgment of their role in promoting justice, accountability, and gender equity. These works serve as a testament to the enduring importance of investigative journalism and the enduring power of storytelling.

Directed by Maria Schrader, Screenplay by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Based on "She Said" by Jodi Kantor, and Megan Twohey, Produced by Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner, Starring: Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, Samantha Morton, Ashley Judd, with Cinematography by Natasha Braier, Edited by Hansjörg Weißbrich, with Music by Nicholas Britell, Production companies: Annapurna Pictures, and Plan B Entertainment, and Distributed by Universal Pictures. (2022)

She Said is available now on Prime Video…

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