No, this isn’t the Stephen King story about a killer car, but I was almost expecting it to be when my sister and I sat down to watch. Our onscreen cable guide is notoriously awful at confusing movies with similar, or even not-so-similar titles. I mean, several years ago we had to tune in to see if the Hallmark Movie Channel was really showing CANNIBALS IN THE STREETS, but that’s another post for another day.
written by Craig Shilowich/ directed by Antonio Campos
As for CHRISTINE, my sister had been checking channels and asked if I had heard of this film from 2016. I answered no and I asked what the synopsis said. She told me it was about a TV reporter who commits suicide on air during a live news broadcast. This was startling enough, but then my sister explained it was based on real events that happened in 1974. I admit morbid curiosity is why I decided to watch, but I wasn’t prepared for what I experienced.
The plot follows Christine Chubbuck as she goes about her days and nights, no one fully aware of what is going on in her mind. Besides professional frustrations and medical issues, she is obviously struggling with undiagnosed depression. Her mother keeps referring to the “moods” Christine gets in, but doesn’t know how to help. When coworkers try to reach out, she shuts them down. It’s really difficult to watch this intelligent woman imploding and eventually succumbing to her internal suffering. Even knowing how it ends does not diminish the emotional impact of her story.
Rebecca Hall portrays Christine as a fully realized, complicated person. Sometimes she is sweet and funny, but other times defensive and angry. Then there are times she is so full of sadness that it hurts. Especially when Christine is putting on puppet shows as a volunteer at a children’s hospital. What starts out as uplifting turns into an unheard cry for help.
I know this isn’t the typical type of film I typically review, but I felt Christine’s story might help someone suffering from depression. Maybe someone will recognize themselves or someone else and begin to pull back from that edge. Honestly, I saw some of myself in Christine with her “moods” and her tendency to shut people out. I know these are things I need to work on.
In conclusion…
CHRISTINE doesn’t glamorize depression or suicide and doesn’t give easy answers. It just shows you one person’s struggle and it’s tough to watch, but worth your time.
CHRISTINE is currently streaming on NETFLIX.
NOTE to U.S. Readers….
If you are contemplating suicide, or know someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor.
Thank you for reading or listening to my half-blind words.
Freak Out,
JLH
P.S. I have a couple of blogging challenges on the horizon, so my typical film reviews will return soon.
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My books & blogs…
http://thejlhcollective.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-collective.html
Sooo glad you highlighted this movie, I saw it recently and it's really as you say a bit of a morbid watch, but its great her story was told. Rebecca Hall is always pretty good in this sort of role too as she adds that instant credibility.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. Rebecca Hall brought a lot of credibility to the role.
DeleteWow... This sounds like a difficult watch, but an honest portrayal of depression. No one seems to pay enough attention to the signs until it's too late. Terrific review, John.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barry. It's a quiet, but powerful film.
DeleteI may have to look for this even if it is a sad story--it also sounds kind of interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting!
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