Seberg (2019)
The American film actress Jean Seberg (Kristen Stewart) returns to the U.S. in 1968 to shoot the film PAINT YOUR WAGON. It is during this period she meets the black activist Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie) and begins an affair with him and becomes politically radicalized. But it isn't long before she becomes the target of a smear campaign directed by the FBI. Directed by Benedict Andrews, the film diffuses the truth of Seberg's story by adding a fictional FBI agent (Jack O'Connell), who becomes attached to Seberg and regrets his involvement in her downfall. Too many scenes are wasted on he and his wife (Margaret Qualley) which take away from Seberg's powerful story. Plus there are too many contrived scenes in which dramatic license also tarnish the film which doesn't need padding. Did an FBI agent really kick Seberg's dog to death? I seriously doubt it but it makes for a dramatic scene. It's yet another case of a middling movie redeemed by a powerhouse performance. In this case, Kristen Stewart as Seberg. It deserves a better movie. Film makers have been trying to make a movie about Seberg for years. Maybe in a decade or so, they'll try again and get it right. With Vince Vaughn, Colm Meaney, Yvan Attal and Zazie Beetz as Jamal's wife in a terrific performance.
I would've kicked her dog to death over "Paint Your Wagon" but that's me. Seriously, thanks for the review. I think I'll skip this one. Other than "Breathless" and "Lilith" (she's good in that one), I'm not much of a fan. Surprising that someone in Hollywood would make bio of her in 2019.
ReplyDeleteHer life story is so fascinating that I can see why some film makers have been wanting to make a movie out of her story for years. At one time, Kirsten Dunst tried to get a Seberg movie bio off the ground. I think a good movie could still be made out of Seberg's life but as I said, this one botched it so it will take years for the dust to settle and another attempt made.
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