Christine (2016)

Genres

Biography, Drama

Director

Antonio Campos

Country

USA, UK

Cast

Rebecca Hal, Michael C. Hall, Tracy Letts, Maria Dizzia, J. Smith-Cameron, John Cullum, Timothy Simons, Kim Shaw, Morgan Spector

Storyline

It follows TV reporter Christine Chubbuck (Rebecca Hall) struggling with depression and professional frustration as she tries to advance her career.

Opinion

No, it's not a remake of the horror film. That said, I've been reading so many great things about Christine over the past months that I've finally decided to watch it, knowing very little about it - like the end that some fellow blogger spoiled for me. Well, it was quite a depressing experience, to be honest, but that doesn't mean Christine isn't a great film. That's exactly what it is, a great drama. 

The story is about the real life of Christine Chubbuck, which makes it even more shocking, it deals with her struggle with depression and how this affects her personal and professional life and it's utterly suspenseful and fascinating in spite of me knowing the ending already.

But the film doesn't simply tell a story about depression, it is a great look on such an important illness. We live in a society that tells us all the time that mental illness is not real, it's just in their heads, it's a chemical imbalance and it can be fixed with drugs. But the truth is that there's no cure for it, and that scares the shit out of us. In addition, I feel like the way the film deals with such a sensitive topic makes it easier for people unfamiliar with depression and mental illness to understand these issues. 

And then there's the main character, Christine, the ultimate portrayal of depression. She is compassionate, she loves children and she has joy in doing good things, but, at the same time, she is a very difficult person to be near. She is a woman that really wants to be happy but that keeps sabotaging herself and jeopardising her happiness. And Rebecca Hall is sensational in the role. Her performance is touching and heartbreaking. She makes you care for the character and basically carries the movie on her shoulders from start to finish. Hers was easily one of the best performance of the past year. 

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11 comments :

  1. Brittani Burnham9 June 2017 at 13:46

    Was it me that spoiled it? I suppose I didn't think about people outside the U.S not knowing about why she was getting a movie. I'm glad you liked it though. Hall was robbed of an Oscer nomination.

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    Replies
    1. Sonia Cerca9 June 2017 at 14:25

      I'm not sure, maybe. I think it was more than one person actually. I've read so many reviews I can't remember who said what. But I guess it was good. I mean, the movie engaged me from start to finish and I already knew how the story would end. Gotta give the filmmakers credit for that.

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  2. s.9 June 2017 at 19:39

    So glad you liked the movie. If there was justice Hall would have won everything for this role (she is my win). While her performance was amazing the film was also great itself and the script was very strong and really gave the audience a chance to get to know Christine

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    1. Sonia Cerca9 June 2017 at 20:33

      I know right! I love Emma Stone, but Hall's performance was way superior.

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    2. s.9 June 2017 at 23:10

      It just really shows how unfair it is. This was distributed by the tiny company that couldn't afford big award campaign. It's very saddening because Hall is a terrific actress and still she hasn't had her major break into big fame.

      Delete
    3. Sonia Cerca10 June 2017 at 13:35

      Sadly, that's the world we live in.

      Delete
    4. TheVern24 June 2017 at 20:10

      Yeah I fully agree with Margaret and Brittani that Hall was robbed of any award love. This was the best female performance of the year. I feel like this movie could be important for people to see. Great review

      Delete
  3. Katy9 June 2017 at 21:38

    Nice review! Hall was incredible in this. One of the best performances of her career, and the movie was such a good examination of mental illness, and not exploiting or sensationalizing her ultimate choice.

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    Replies
    1. Sonia Cerca10 June 2017 at 13:37

      Exactly! This is easily the best movie about mental illness I've seen. And I've seen my fair share.

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  4. Alex Raphael11 June 2017 at 16:22

    Shame that a blogger gave it away. It must be a difficult film to review mind. Not a film that appealed but glad it was done well.

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    Replies
    1. Sonia Cerca11 June 2017 at 21:08

      The real shame is that it's based on a true story.

      Delete

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