#8. Jackie
Entering the ever-growing list of Most Unconventional Biopics Ever, Jackie joins rank with I’m Not There, The End of the Tour, and Steve Jobs. If moody, atmospheric character pieces aren’t your cup of tea, you’re better off sticking to Jackie’s wikipedia page. Pablo Larraín, working in English for the first time, reportedly refused to direct the film unless Natalie Portman agreed to star as the titular first lady. Smart move #1. Portman is as dedicated and committed to this ballsy film as Larraín is. Not unlike Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of LBJ, Portman’s performance has a way of tricking you, if you surrender yourself to the film, into forgetting her famous face is even onscreen. What you see is Jackie Kennedy, from the physical mannerisms to her distinctive speaking rhythms to the way she holds herself. This is acting of the absolute highest caliber. Nowhere this year was there a better leading female performance. Another best-of accolade Jackie boasts? That would be the score from Mica Levi. You’ve never heard anything like it. You won’t be able to picture the film with any other soundtrack. Unforgettable.
Entering the ever-growing list of Most Unconventional Biopics Ever, Jackie joins rank with I’m Not There, The End of the Tour, and Steve Jobs. If moody, atmospheric character pieces aren’t your cup of tea, you’re better off sticking to Jackie’s wikipedia page. Pablo Larraín, working in English for the first time, reportedly refused to direct the film unless Natalie Portman agreed to star as the titular first lady. Smart move #1. Portman is as dedicated and committed to this ballsy film as Larraín is. Not unlike Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of LBJ, Portman’s performance has a way of tricking you, if you surrender yourself to the film, into forgetting her famous face is even onscreen. What you see is Jackie Kennedy, from the physical mannerisms to her distinctive speaking rhythms to the way she holds herself. This is acting of the absolute highest caliber. Nowhere this year was there a better leading female performance. Another best-of accolade Jackie boasts? That would be the score from Mica Levi. You’ve never heard anything like it. You won’t be able to picture the film with any other soundtrack. Unforgettable.