Director: Pablo Larrain
By Alex Watson
Stellar work from Natalie Portman brings American's most famous first lady to life. Jackie is a touching replication of a woman going through her darkest hour. Chilean director, Pablo Larrain expertly intercuts through three key periods in the life of Jackie Kennedy. What follows is a testament to the devotion of one woman to her husband even in death. Mrs Kennedy worked tirelessly following JFK's death to honour his memory and her fierce desire makes this one of the strongest films of 2016.
Jackie Kennedy (Natalie Portman) is recounting the days before and after her husband's assassination in 1963. Telling her story to life magazine journalist Theodore H White (Billy Crudup) she aims to give an insight into that terrible time. Barely coping in the wake of this tragedy and the nation on high alert, Jackie is determined to give her husband a proper burial. With both her brother in law Bobby (Peter Sarsgaard) and other key members fearful of more trouble, she faces a tough battle.
Pablo Larrain doesn't take the linear route with Jackie and he and writer Noah Oppenheim decide to focus on three very different moments. The story mainly centres around that notable day in Dallas and watching Jackie clutching her husband's lifeless body wearing her iconic pink Chanel suit is heart-rendering. Even more so is watching her wiping the blood off her face while utterly traumatised. We also get glimpses into happier times such as her famous TV tour of the White House. The aftermath of JFK's assassination puts the entire nation in an emotionally fragile state. Jackie is a woman consumed by grief and barely keeping above water and is growing increasingly resentful with people's desire to shut her away. Her interview with Theodore is a tough nut to crack because he has to contend with a woman on her guard. While tearfully describing her words she spoke whilst John was bleeding to death, she shakily looks to him stating "Don't think for one second I'm going to let you publish that,"
Larrain also brings to light Jackie's confusion over her identity now she is no longer the first lady. The scenes alongside John Hurt's priest, Father Richard McSorley tap into the psyche of what her legacy really means? The dramatic weight of some scenes is sometimes carried without a word. During one scene she aimless wanders the White House taking pills and vodka while 'Camelot' plays overhead. All of her doubts, wonders and questions of how her husband will be remembered are beautiful expressed. The way the camera stays close to Natalie Portman draws us closer into the conscience of this famous figure. This effect feels fullest while we watch the bullet hit her husband's skull and in an instant her world is ripped apart. The audience feels like an intruder in a person's most private moment. Her relationship with Bobby also adds some family tension as he is sometimes overprotective nature makes her feel trapped.While his intentions mean well, he comes across being almost a sensor when he tries to keep Lee Harvey Oswald's death a secret.
The real firepower in Jackie comes from her desire to give her husband the send off she wants. Scared that the man she loves has already been consigned to history, Jackie refuses to let his memory be tarnished. Refusing to let her be alone for a moment, we are breathlessly drawn into her world and we see a soul that cannot rest. All throughout Jackie has to contend with the danger of being out in the open, with the nation still reeling staff are scared of another attack. Through her softly spoken tones, the former first lady makes the biggest waves. She will see this day through, the consequences be damned. Larrain's real mastery comes from how he portrays the suppression of her suffering during this crisis. Forced to keep up appearances, Jackie is very much the figurehead of JFK's legacy and on her strength of character alone this film carried forward. Few first ladies are as fondly remembered as Jackie Kennedy and this movie surpasses the boundaries of the average biopic film. Rarely do we get such a real glimpse into such an event, Larrain ensures out hearts go with Mrs Kennedy.
It feels like no-one else but Natalie Portman could have succeeded as Jackie. Portman perfectly personifies the horrific tragedy this woman suffered. Nailing Kennedy's iconic tones, this performance is one that is not only complex to pull off but requires a sufficient emotional investment. On all front, Portman is a revelation and is most mesmerising in her quieter moments. Such simple things as watching her husband blood drip off her in the shower increase the power of this turn. This role is one that will see her feature regularly this award season. After a few wayward of years of bad comedies, Portman is now firmly back on dramatic territory and this role feels like one she was born to play.
Jackie is a biopic picture that is unmatched this year and Pablo Larrain's Hollywood debut is one to truly savour.
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