With Jackie, I have been eager to see this for some time as I have always been fascinated by the JFK incident, and the aftermath from it.
With the Cold War still going on, the whole country were so tense of any speculation, and it was interesting to see who would make the next move.
I was also excited to see this because of Pablo Larrain directing this, and Natalie Portman playing Jackie Kennedy. Sadly, the only film I have seen from Larrain is 'No' and I thought it was very good. As for Portman, she is one of my favourite female actors around today. Even without being in my number one film of all-time V For Vendetta, she has also done some great work in Black Swan, Leon and the hugely under-rated Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.
Well, I certainly got a really good film. But I did not think it would be that impactful. From the opening scene, I could already feel the atmosphere the film was going for, and I was liking it a lot.
I have to go straight to the performances, because Portman is just absolutely stunning in this. Is it clearly her best performance since Black Swan. She really transforms herself into the First Lady, and it really surprised how influential she was during and after her husband's presidency. She definitely deserves another Oscar. It is always with these types of roles. It could have been a half arsed attempt at an impression. But I truly believe that she completely turn into Jackie Kennedy right in front of us.
Peter Sarsgaard was a really nice surprise in his role as Bobby Kennedy. He didn't steal the show. But it was certainly a memorable performance and seemed to play a pivotal part in making this film so gripping. There were also some solid supporting roles by Greta Gerwig, John Hurt, Billy Crudup and an almost unrecognisable Richard E. Grant.
I was really impressed with the cinematography by Stephane Fontaine. I would like to find out what type of camera they used, as it had a genuine 1960's look to it. I also loved the constant close-ups, which reminded me of The King's Speech. It felt really intimate, and as if you should not be that close to something so personal and distressing.
It also looks phenomenal. Even without the camera making it look like that time period, the sets and costumes did enough justice. Honestly, it was like watching a documentary.
The score by Mica Levi is incredibly haunting and is used heavily throughout. I will never forget her work for the score of Under The Skin, and this is as memorable.
Also, the writing was pretty solid, whilst also being really strong in certain moments.
Next to no negatives to mention. But if I was being picky, there were moments in the second half that felt like a lull. But like I said, it is a very minor thing.
I think it is safe to say that I really enjoyed it. This is a very good character study, that goes into quite some depth of one of the most famous women of 20th century America.
So if you're going into the film expecting an investigation of the famous assassination, don't. However, the execution of the assassination that we all know about, is done so well. Even though you know what is going to happen, just being so close to the action was really captivating.
When I like certain bits of history, I am always interested to learn more, and this was one of them. There was plenty in this film that became news to me as I was seeing it. I liked many of the aspects that they show and how America was at that time, and how big of a chance was this particular era in American presidency.
Definitely go and see it for Portman's performance and if you have always been interested in this story.
Rating: 8/10
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