I've missed seeing Natalie Portman like this in recent years!

Rating: 8/10 (17 February 2017)

'JACKIE': Four Stars (Out of Five)
The critically acclaimed biopic starring Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy, arguably America's most beloved First Lady ever. The film depicts her life, following the assassination of her husband, John F. Kennedy, in 1963. It was directed by Pablo Larrain (a Chilean director, with little former knowledge on the movie's subject) and it was written by Noah Oppenheim (who also scripted the YA fantasy flicks 'ALLEGIANT' and 'THE MAZE RUNNER'). It was co-produced by Darren Aronofsky, who was originally set to direct the film (and he also courted his replacement). The movie costars Peter Sarsgaard, Billy Crudup, Greta Gerwig, John Carroll Lynch and John Hurt (in one of his final film roles, before his death). It's one of the best reviewed movies of 2016, and it's been nominated for three Oscars (including Best Actress, for Natalie Portman). I found it to be extremely slow-paced, but at the same time it's also very involving and effective.
The film begins shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (Caspar Phillipson); which is depicted in flashbacks. Jacqueline 'Jackie' Kennedy (Portman) is being interviewed by a journalist (Crudup) about it. Throughout the movie we see two sides of the First Lady; a more elegant and feminine persona, she presented to the public, as well as her more witty and dominant side, that she only showed people in private. We also see how strong she was, in dealing with such a historical tragedy.
The movie is only about 100 minutes long, but it feels like it's a lot longer. It definitely takes it's time developing it's characters, primarily Jackie Kennedy, but in that time I think we really feel like we get to know her. Portman is absolutely amazing in the title role, and I've missed seeing her like this in recent years. She's still one of the greatest actresses in film today, and I think this movie definitely shows why. The film is worth seeing just for her, but it's also an important, and very valuable, history lesson.
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