When news first broke about the release of a film about Jackie Kennedy, I was full of excitement. That excitement just grew over the months with not only the casting of Natalie Portman in the lead role but that the synopsis of the film would deal with the aftermath of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The film quickly rose near the top of my most anticipated films of the year. As an avid researcher of history and the Kennedy family, Jackie was a refreshing take on this tragic incident, already seen on film numerous times, to finally see it from her perspective.
The film opens at the Kennedy compound in Massachusetts as a journalist (Billy Crudup) visits Jackie to provide the first interview of the former First Lady since the tragic killing of her husband. What follows is a surreal recap of her life as First Lady. From her television debut guiding a tour of the White House, the final moments of her husband’s life as they tragically drive through Dallas, Texas on November 22nd, 1963 and the somber funeral preparations, she lays it all out on the table. While the interview process may be a cathartic experience for her, it is not for public consumption as we as the viewer always expect the ins and outs of every tragic event as quick as possible without understanding that mourning is necessary and should come first.
Pablo Larrain’s vision should be commended and viewed as not only mesmerizing but focused. He keeps Portman front and center throughout the film. A reminder that this film, despite the tragic backdrop, is about Jackie Kennedy. The cinematography is breathtaking throughout. From the black and white aiding her throughout her tour of the White House to the grainy scenes of the assassination of the President, Larrain is able to make us feel that we are traveling back to 1963 all while truly capturing Jackie’s vulnerability.
No scene shows that vulnerability more in the film than the moment Lyndon B Johnson is sworn in as President Of The United States, moments after the death of her husband. Larrain focuses on Jackie’s shocked expressions at the events that have just occurred and the full realization that as a country, even after the death of the President, the country moves on as quick.
The score by Micah Levi greatly contributes to the impact of the film with his haunting score. A score that is orchestral with string and woodwinds that follows Jackie through the darkest moments of her life and shows that music can truly elicit emotion from a film. One of the finest scores of 2016, it would be a shame if Levi is not rewarded with an Academy Award nomination.
Speaking of Academy Award nominations, one person that can start clearing out her schedule for Oscar night and start her acceptance speech is Natalie Portman. From an early age, Portman has graced us with performances ranging from her great debut in Léon: The Professional, to the not so great performance in the Star Wars‘ prequels, to her Oscar-winning performance in Black Swan, Portman has never been so in command of a role. She becomes Jackie Kennedy. From her attire to accent, she transforms into the First Lady and raises the bar for her fellow actors. While full of emotions, Jackie works diligently to not only hide those emotions but keep a smile on her face. The ability to do that is a testament to Portman’s performance. The finest of her career, she is a top 2 contender in terms of Best Actress winner this Oscar season.
Jackie is a heartbreaking portrait of a woman’s most lonesome moments. With the accompaniment of Levi’s score and Larrain’s direction, this film should be in consideration for not only awards but in the conversation of top 10 films of 2016.
Reel Talk gives Jackie 4 reels
