Jackie

“Jackie” is a biographical drama film directed by Pablo Larraín, focusing on the life of Jacqueline Kennedy in the immediate aftermath of her husband’s assassination. While it boasts strong performances and stylish direction, the film ultimately falls short due to its disjointed narrative and lack of emotional depth.

Natalie Portman delivers a compelling portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy, capturing both her public poise and private vulnerability. Portman fully embodies the iconic First Lady, from her meticulously maintained appearance to her internal struggle to preserve her husband’s legacy amidst personal grief. However, despite her impressive performance, the film fails to provide a fully realized exploration of Jackie’s character beyond surface-level impressions.

The film’s nonlinear narrative structure further detracts from its impact. While it attempts to weave together various timelines and events, the transitions feel abrupt and disjointed, hindering the viewer’s ability to fully engage with the story. Instead of enhancing the narrative complexity, the disjointed storytelling serves as a distraction, making it difficult to establish a coherent emotional connection with the characters.

Additionally, “Jackie” struggles to strike a balance between historical accuracy and creative interpretation. While it offers a glimpse into the public and private persona of Jacqueline Kennedy, the film often feels more concerned with aesthetics than substance. The stylized cinematography and art direction create a visually striking atmosphere, but they ultimately overshadow the emotional depth that should be at the heart of the story.

The supporting cast, including Peter Sarsgaard as Robert F. Kennedy and Greta Gerwig as Nancy Tuckerman, delivers solid performances, but their characters feel underdeveloped. Their interactions with Jackie provide fleeting glimpses into her inner turmoil, but these moments are fleeting and fail to leave a lasting impression.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its depiction of the funeral and its aftermath. Larraín captures the solemnity and chaos of the historical event with striking authenticity, immersing the viewer in the raw emotion of the moment. However, these powerful sequences are not enough to compensate for the film’s overall lack of narrative cohesion.

Ultimately, “Jackie” is a film that struggles to find its footing. While it offers glimpses of brilliance, particularly in Natalie Portman’s performance and the evocative funeral sequences, it falls short in its execution. The disjointed narrative, underdeveloped supporting characters, and emphasis on style over substance prevent the film from achieving its full potential.

In conclusion, “Jackie” is a visually stunning but emotionally hollow portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy’s life in the aftermath of tragedy. Despite Natalie Portman’s captivating performance, the film’s disjointed narrative and lack of depth prevent it from leaving a lasting impact. While it may appeal to fans of historical dramas or those interested in the Kennedy era, it ultimately fails to fully engage its audience.