In Jackie, director Pablo Larrain addresses the terrible times following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy through the eyes of Jackie Kennedy (Natalie Portman), the closest witness to the gory death of her husband. The film addresses notions never really discussed in film before, such as Jackie’s decision to march in the open air at her husband’s funeral.
Portman, after a little career lull, comes roaring back with an amazingly accurate portrayal. (She nails that beautifully strange accent.) Peter Sarsgaard is excellent as a justifiably angry Bobby Kennedy, as is Billy Crudup as a journalist doing an exclusive interview with Jackie soon after the shooting. The film accurately captures the look of the early 1960s, right down to Jackie’s pillbox hat.
Of all the films made about the assassination of JFK, this one is the most personal, and it does an admirable job of showing what an influence Jackie was while examining her icon status. Portman will most certainly get an Oscar nomination for this one—and it will be deserved.
Jackie is now playing at the Camelot Theatres (2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs; 760-325-6565); the Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 (72777 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage; 844-462-7342); and the Palm Desert 10 Cinemas (72840 Highway 111, Palm Desert; 760-340-0033).