Jackie Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lady in a pink suit has a really bad day in Dallas and then redecorates a graveyard, all while chain-smoking and contemplating the musical ‘Camelot’.

🍿 Jackie: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Interview and Flashbacks

The film is framed by an interview between Jacqueline Kennedy and a journalist a week after JFK’s assassination. Through flashbacks, we see Jackie’s life as First Lady, including her famous televised tour of the White House. These scenes are interspersed with the immediate aftermath of the assassination, revealing her initial shock and grief.

The Day in Dallas

The film vividly depicts the events of November 22, 1963, in Dallas. We see the arrival at Love Field, the motorcade through the city, and the horrific moment of the assassination. The film focuses on Jackie’s perspective, showing her holding the dying president in her arms and the immediate chaos that followed.

Returning to Washington and Planning the Funeral

Following the assassination, Jackie returns to Washington aboard Air Force One, where Lyndon B. Johnson is sworn in as president. The film then focuses on Jackie’s struggle to cope with her grief while also planning JFK’s funeral. She insists on a grand procession, inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s funeral, despite security concerns and political pressures.

Legacy and Memory

Throughout the film, Jackie grapples with her husband’s legacy and how he will be remembered. She reflects on his accomplishments and fears that he will be forgotten like other deceased presidents. She also asserts her own agency in shaping the narrative of his presidency, particularly through the ‘Camelot’ myth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jackie Kennedy (Natalie Portman): The recently widowed First Lady struggles to cope with the aftermath of JFK’s assassination while fighting to define his legacy.
• Bobby Kennedy (Peter Sarsgaard): As JFK’s brother and Attorney General, Bobby supports Jackie while grappling with his own grief and the future of the Kennedy legacy.
• The Journalist (Billy Crudup): A journalist tasked with interviewing Jackie Kennedy, navigates her grief and attempts to shape the narrative of JFK’s legacy.
• The Priest (John Hurt): A confidant to Jackie, providing her with spiritual guidance and a space to express her doubts and fears.
• Nancy Tuckerman (Greta Gerwig): Jackie’s loyal social secretary and close friend, who offers support and companionship during the difficult time following the assassination.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jackie Kennedy: “There will be great presidents again, but there will never be another Camelot.” – Said to the journalist, reflecting on the Kennedy era and its unique place in history, solidifying the ‘Camelot’ myth.
• Jackie Kennedy: “Don’t let me forget. Don’t let them forget.” – A plea to preserve the memory and legacy of her husband and his administration.
• Jackie Kennedy: “I want them to see what they have done to Jack.” – Speaking about her decision to wear the blood-stained pink Chanel suit, showing the world the brutality of the assassination.
• The Priest: “There comes a time in man’s search for meaning when he realizes that there are no answers. And when you come to the horrible and unavoidable realization, you accept it or you kill yourself. Or you simply stop searching.” – Offering a philosophical perspective on dealing with loss and the absence of easy answers in life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $13,960,394
• Worldwide Gross: $29,778,202

💥 Jackie Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into ‘Jackie’ from the first scene. Natalie Portman’s portrayal is simply mesmerizing – I felt like I was witnessing Jackie Kennedy’s private grief and determination. The scene where she’s wandering through the White House after the assassination, listening to ‘Camelot’, just broke my heart. I also loved the way the film mixed archival footage with the reenactments; it felt so authentic and real.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History buffs interested in the Kennedy era”
  • “Fans of biographical dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances, especially those of Natalie Portman”
  • “Those interested in the psychology of grief and trauma”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic depictions of violence, including the JFK assassination”
  • “Mature themes related to grief, loss, and trauma”
  • “Smoking and alcohol use”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Portman delivers a compelling performance, capturing Jackie’s voice and mannerisms with a complex mix of vulnerability and poise. While the editing is disjointed and the score melodramatic, the film offers valuable insights into a national tragedy and a resilient woman.
• The Guardian: “A haunting and intimate portrait, ‘Jackie’ transcends the typical biopic, offering a fragmented yet powerful glimpse into the First Lady’s grief and determination to shape her husband’s legacy. Portman’s performance is captivating, supported by strong direction and visual storytelling.
• Rolling Stone: “Natalie Portman disappears into the role of Jackie Kennedy, delivering a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance. The film boldly explores the First Lady’s inner turmoil, even if its unconventional structure may not appeal to all viewers. Compelling and haunting.

Audience Reactions

Natalie Portman’s transformative performance as Jackie Kennedy is truly captivating and haunting.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s emotional depth and its unique approach to a well-known historical event.

The film’s soundtrack amplifies Jackie Kennedy’s inner torment, enhancing the viewer’s emotional experience.: Despite criticisms of being intrusive, many laud it for adding emotional depth and uniqueness.

Overall Consensus: A complex and emotionally charged portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in the aftermath of JFK’s assassination, driven by Natalie Portman’s outstanding performance. While divisive in its structure and style, it offers a unique and intimate perspective on grief, legacy, and the burden of history.

Awards

1. Venice Film Festival (Best Screenplay)- 2016

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “To Pablo Larraín’s wishes, screenwriter Noah Oppenheim trimmed the 120-page script to one hundred pages, including only scenes with Jackie Kennedy, as he wanted this movie to be entirely about her and her experiences.”

🖥️ How to Watch Jackie?

As of October 2024, ‘Jackie’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and pricing. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Jackie, you might like these similar films:

• The Queen (2006): Both films explore the private grief and public persona of a prominent woman in power after a tragic death, focusing on the week following Princess Diana’s death and Queen Elizabeth II’s response.
• Lincoln (2012): A biographical drama focusing on a pivotal period in a president’s life, highlighting leadership and legacy, similar to how ‘Jackie’ focuses on JFK’s legacy through his wife’s eyes.
• The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020): Features a cast of characters in US history, in a specific time, going through a Trial, with the aim to reveal what happened and some possible consequences.

🛒 Jackie Related Products

• Jackie: A Portrait of an American First Lady: A beautifully curated collection of photographs and essays that offer a comprehensive look into the life, style, and legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy, perfect for history buffs and admirers.
• The Kennedy White House: Restoring a President’s Legacy: Explore the restoration of the White House as documented in the film, Jackie. The book contains in-depth information about the renovation and a unique look into American History.
• Jackie Kennedy Inspired Pillbox Hat: Capture the iconic style of Jackie Kennedy with this classic pillbox hat, a timeless accessory that embodies elegance and sophistication. Perfect for fans who admire her fashion sense.
• Natalie Portman Movie Poster: A high-quality print of a portrait of Natalie Portman in the movie. This movie has a stunning performance from Natalie Portman.

🎧 Soundtrack

Jackie features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “First Lady” – performed by Mica Levi
• “Empty White House” – performed by Mica Levi
• “The Funeral” – performed by Mica Levi
• “Camelot” – performed by Richard Burton
• “Affection No. 3” – performed by Paul Zaza (as Peter Dufferin)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Etiquette expert reacts to Netflix’s The Crown

Curious about the etiquette in ‘The Crown’? Check out this video where an expert breaks down a scene with Jacqueline Kennedy and the Queen, giving us a glimpse into the historical context and accuracy of the portrayal.

Movie Accent Expert Breaks Down 32 Actors’ Accents | WIRED

Wondering how accurate Natalie Portman’s accent was in ‘Jackie’? This video features a dialect coach analyzing accents in popular films. It might shed some light on her performance!

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