Film biographies are like a form of cinematic karaoke.
You watch an actor impersonate someone’s rhythm with moves and style
matched. Although we know it isn’t the real thing, a close facsimile is
usually enjoyable if the story or melody is strong. ‘Jackie’ carries its
silver screen tune with ease. As with any in the genre, what is seen
should be taken with a grain of salt. No one can truly know how a subject
felt or did at any given time but ‘Jackie’ captures the essence of its subject
with the style for which she was renowned.
After the assassination of American President John F
Kennedy, his wife, First Lady Jackie (Natalie Portman), retreats to seclusion.
Trying to cope with the aftermath of the terrible event, she resolves to
maintain his legacy. Helped by his brother Bobby (Peter Sarsgaard),
Jackie charts a course for a new future. With the constant glare of the
media around, her actions are closely examined. Preserving the Kennedy
name is one Jackie strives to do in spite of the naysayers determined to
destroy all she and her husband built.
‘Jackie’ very much rests on Portman’s shoulders.
Tasked with conveying the graceful determination of the subject, she equips
herself admirably. You feel the genuine despair and strength driving her
in the immediate storm of her husband’s death. In some ways she was an
early media manipulator in her ability knowing what headlines were
needed. That wasn’t a bad thing as she had to control the flow of
information that could easily have been skewed. Her poise when dealing
with what lay ahead after the assassination is expressed admirably in Portman’s
hands.
The rest of ‘Jackie’ is hit and miss. Whilst the
locations and integration of old and new footage are excellent, the story needs
work. There are many repetitive scenes covering the same ground which
only appear to exist to extend the run-time. The musical score is another
issue. Although incredibly grand and unique to listen to, it often
distracts from the screenplay’s points. Silence is often more golden than
booming noise where viewers should feel the emotions than have them musically
spoon-fed.
Despite aspects not matching the high quality performances,
‘Jackie’ nonetheless presents an interesting historical snap-shot.
Elegant and generally engaging it doesn’t foul the next of movie biographies
with a woman’s strength in a time of crisis laid bare in remarkable fashion.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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