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When John F. Kennedy became our nation’s 35th President in 1961, he and his charming, sophisticated wife, Jackie, brought a new kind of glamour and style to the office. Years later, their legacy still lives on. And in the biopic Jackie, director Pablo Larraín follows Mrs. Kennedy as she struggles to maintain control during her final days in the White House.
Jackie stars Natalie Portman as the beloved First Lady during a tragic time in our nation’s history—during the moments and days following her husband’s assassination. A short time later, during an interview with a LIFE magazine reporter (Billy Crudup), she looks back at the choices she made between JFK’s death and his extravagant funeral procession. And, through it all, she sets aside her own feelings of grief as she cares for her children, makes arrangements, and works to solidify her husband’s legacy as one of the nation’s most beloved presidents.
The Kennedy family has long held an air of mystery. During JFK’s brief presidency, and for decades afterward, they were the closest this country came to royalty: rich and elegant and influential—and just out of reach. And by offering a glimpse behind the scenes of some of the Kennedys’ most difficult days, this character-driven film only adds to the former First Lady’s mystique.
On one hand, her public persona—as shown during the televised White House tour in 1961—is that of a woman who’s charming and sophisticated and maybe even a little bit flighty. During her days as First Lady, the nation sees her focused on the details and furnishings in the presidential home, where she’s known to host fabulous events. But that’s just her outward appearance. And the film goes behind the scenes to show so much more than just her stylish wardrobe and soft-spoken dignity.
Portman does an excellent job of portraying this iconic character—both in her calm, collected outward moments and in those private moments when her true nature is able to shine through. She’s sharp and complex, with such distinctive speech patterns—and Portman’s performance is wonderful in an almost uncomfortable way. Because of her, the film—and the character—will haunt you long after it all comes to an end.
Portman’s Jackie is extremely meticulous and self-aware, planning each statement, each move. She may be falling apart inside, but she remains quiet and composed while carefully, thoughtfully orchestrating each detail, guiding the arrangements to create the best possibly outcome for those she loves. And it’s all done so well that, after the credits roll, you’ll be left wondering how much of the family’s legacy is real and how much is a beautiful fairy tale.
Jackie may seem like a somewhat simple film, following a trying week in the former First Lady’s life, but it’s just as smart and thoughtful as the character herself. And its fascinating story and noteworthy lead performance make for a surprisingly gripping—and haunting—biography.
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