Rated: 14A
Starring: Rebecca Hall (her name may not ring a bell but her face will), ubiquitous Tracy Letts and Dexter
Plot: Based on the true story of Christine Chubbuck, a TV news reporter who committed suicide on live television in 1974.
Tanya’s Verdict: Not to be confused with the 1983 horror flick Christine about a killing car, this movie focuses on the possible events leading up to the tragic death of a TV news reporter on live tv. Rebecca Hall’s portrayal of Chubbuck is brilliant – she comes off as a strong go-getter in the work place (at first) but gradually cracks in her facade begin to appear. First at home, where viewers see her petulant behaviour towards her mother, then eventually at work when we realize how difficult and frustrating her personality is concerning her co-workers. Several personal and professional problems arise – and these along with a semi-serious medical issue (not to mention her mental health struggles) culminate in the final minutes of the movie. Up until this final moment, I was captivated and drawn into Christine’s struggles – and even though I knew how it would eventually play out – this added to the movie’s intensity (for me). But despite this strong lead up, the ending fizzled – making the previous two hours a kinda/sorta waste of time.