The miniskirt-harassment scene in the movie Bombshell, featuring John Lithgow as Roger Ailes and Margot Robbie as Kayla Pospisil, was described by director Jay Roach as the most “excruciating” sequence he had ever filmed. The actors found it challenging as well. John Lithgow, in an interview with Vulture during the film’s premiere, revealed that considerable effort was invested in ensuring both parties felt comfortable and consented to the scene, where Ailes demands Kayla to lift her skirt to her underwear line.
According to Lithgow, they deeply discussed the purpose of the scene. It serves as a pivotal moment in the film, motivating its entire narrative. Unlike many other incidents that occur behind closed doors, this scene takes place within those closed doors, explicitly portraying the worst of what people can imagine. Both actors recognized the significance of their roles in conveying this powerful message.
To tackle the scene effectively, they broke it down into two parts. The first part features the initial meeting between Ailes and Kayla. She actively pursues this opportunity by following Ailes’ secretary into an elevator. During this phase, Kayla is eager and polite while defending Megyn Kelly during her Black Santa controversy, and Ailes becomes fond of her.
Lithgow pointed out that the structure of the scene is initially amiable, showcasing Roger at his most welcoming, supportive, and charming self until the turning point in the middle. When Ailes, with heavy breaths, asks Kayla to give him a twirl, everything changes, and the atmosphere becomes unsettling. Lithgow emphasized that this stark contrast between the two halves was crucial in expressing the real horror of the latter part.
The actors collaborated beforehand and rehearsed extensively to make the scene work. They had open discussions, ensuring they were on the same page about their approach. Lithgow stated that they fully embraced the project and approached it almost technically, considering how they could have the greatest impact on the audience.
Overall, the miniskirt-harassment scene was a challenging yet essential aspect of the movie Bombshell, as it highlighted the disturbing realities of harassment and abuse that take place behind powerful closed doors.