Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: John Curran, Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures, M 106 Minutes
American filmmaker John Curran who previously directed the Australian movie ‘Tracks’ (filmed entirely in Australia) has now chosen Aussie actor Jason Clarke (‘Everest’) to play the ill-fated Ted Kennedy in the Chappaquiddick incident that ended his presidential ambitions.
Based on actual accounts detailed in the inquest arising from the 1969 investigation, Curran, including writers Taylor Allen and Andrew Logan, provide an absorbing insight into a series of mistakes made by the youngest son of America’s famous family.
The historical drama takes place in Martha’s Vineyard close to Chappaquiddick Island where Teddy is holding a reunion party for 12 Kennedy staffers who worked on the campaign of his late brother Bobby.
Amongst them is political strategist Mary Jo Kopechne (Kate Mara – ‘Morgan’) whom Teddy is keen to recruit for his future bid for the presidency.
In spite of his heavy drinking, Teddy offers to take Mary Jo back to her place which ends up in him driving his car off the Chappaquiddick Bridge that claims her life and Teddy escaping from the sinking vehicle.
At first Teddy is reluctant to inform the police but eventually reports the accident on the following day after being advised to do so by Cousin Joseph Gargan (Ed Helms –‘Vacation’) and close friend Jim Gaffigan (Paul Markham –‘Hot Pursuit’).
Once the media get hold of the story – especially the unexplained events surrounding the drowning of a young woman – Kennedy and his advisers are in full damage control, even drawing disdain from his wheel-chair bound father, Joseph (Bruce Dern –‘Nebraska’).
The Chappaquiddick incident that claimed Kopechne’s life turns into a major scandal with Kennedy accused of covering-up his actions, even using the moon landing as a smokescreen and refusing to accept any blame for what happened on that fateful night.
With his reputation now in tatters Teddy is left with no choice but to admit his guilt for the Chappaquiddick tragedy and make an announcement concerning the future of his political career.
Curran’s magnificent movie is a captivating and tense depiction of the events leading to Kennedy’s fatal car accident in July 1969, not to mention the personal intrigue into his flaws – especially of the person hopeful of inheriting the Kennedy mantle.
Of course the movie’s major highlight must be Clarke’s remarkable performance not only looking but also sounding like the real Teddy Kennedy.
Vic’s Verdict: 4 Stars
