Kennedy: a surname that sparks a number of emotions: happiness, hope, grief and sorrow. The Kennedy family has been consumed by the “Kennedy Curse” since Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.’s untimely death in 1944. The “Kennedy Curse” has taken the lives of more than a dozen Kennedy’s and close friends and confidantes since the 40’s, causing Ted Kennedy to one day speak the words “Somebody up there doesn’t like us.” In 1969 the curse strikes Ted Kennedy (Jason Clarke) and campaign strategist Mary Jo Kopechne (Kate Mara) when Ted drives his car off a bridge, killing Ms. Kopechne and spiraling Ted’s life and his presidential aspirations out of control. Chappaquiddick is the story of Ted Kennedy’s involvement in the accidental death of this young woman and the effects it had on everyone else who played a part in this tragic event.
How do you recreate historical fact with uber-famous historical figures attached to it in a real and appropriate fashion without losing anything in translation from real life to film? You find a group of actors who are able to embody the powerful personalities that play a role in the events and you employ a director that is untainted by the often over-exaggerated nature of Hollywood recreations of actual events. Director John Curran proves to be the man for the job, as his resume of directorial experiences is quite short. This plays in his favor as he has not yet fallen victim to normalities of Hollywood. These normalities consist of altering reality to a point that makes it more entertaining for audiences and including personal opinion rather than facts. It’s nearly impossible to, when constructing art in any form, to omit subjectivity completely. As scripts are formed, camera angles are decided and music takes shape around the story, and let opinion shine through to a degree. While that opinion can sully a story, Chappaquiddick does not suffer at the hands of Curran’s personal thoughts. The true story of what happened between Kopechne and Kennedy on the night of July 18th, 1969 is only known by those who are no longer alive to tell it (and Kennedy’s willingness to share accurate information has been questioned since day one). As Curran and his writers (Taylor Allen and Andrew Logan) construct Chappaquiddick, they must consider all of the facts and the speculations that circulated around that fatal night. The combination of known and perceived information form a solid adaptation of what may have transpired.
As viewers attempt to accept the words of Ted Kennedy as he recounts the events at Chappaquiddick, it is important that they first accept Clarke as the senator. His job may be the most difficult of anyone attached to the film. He is tasked with portraying a senator that served in office from 1962 to 2009. His personality, his look and nearly every other aspect of his life was well known by the public, requiring Clarke to stick as closely to the real Ted as possible. He adopts Ted’s mannerism, his facial expressions and the tone of his voice, bringing the deceased senator to life once again.
Along with his stellar performance, his overall appearance is what helps to sell viewers on the fact that he is Ted Kennedy. The makeup department also had their work cut out for them as they changed a man who often possesses a look that can only be described as rugged into a quasi prim and proper political figure. The makeup department, headed by Susan Margaca, pulls off this feat and creates a substantial change to Clarke’s appearance. The talent of this particular team is key in the development and success of Chappaquiddick.
Chappaquiddick tells a story full of “what ifs” that has baffled Americans for the past fifty years. There is no knowing what exactly transpired that night, but Curran and his team give us a thorough explanation of the testaments given by Kennedy, as well as others’ speculations that surrounded the incident. Viewers are provided the opportunity to form their own opinions on the subject and ultimately come to their own conclusion. Without technically being considered a mystery, Chappaquiddick does envelop audiences in quite the enigmatic situation. It plays out like a riddle of sorts and keeps audiences engaged.
Directed by John Curran. Written by Taylor Allen & Andrew Logan. Starring Jason Clarke, Katie Mara, Ed Helms, Bruce Dern, Jim Gaffigan, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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