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Chappaquiddick (2017)

My rating: 4/10

#Chappaquiddick #John Curran #Taylor Allen #Andrew Logan #Jason Clarke #Kate Mara #Ed Helms

Taylor Allen

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Chappaquiddick (2017)

I’d never heard of the Chappaquiddick incident before seeing trailers for this film. I’d wager most people under 40 also had no idea what happened in July 1969 when Senator Ted Kennedy drove his car over a bridge. It’s a true-life story that’s right in that sweet spot: big enough to keep you interested but not so monumental to have entered collective consciousness.

While the nation mourns the deaths of John and Robert Kennedy, their young brother, Ted (Jason Clarke) is being pushed towards the presidency. When a night of partying leaves his car submerged underwater with his passenger, Mary Jo (Kate Mara) dead inside, it could mean the end of his political career.

There’s much intrigue here. While Ted might’ve been drinking that night, Mary Jo's death was an accident. It’s what happens after that ties your stomach in knots. You can tell Ted couldn't live up to the expectations placed upon him before the incident. He’s likable and an adept politician… but president? I dunno. Every disapproving look from his father (Bruce Dern) pushes him down but also compresses his resolve to simply be the best him he can be. Then, the incident. Ted’s ill-equipped to brush this under the carpet. He’s got the entourage to make it happen but he doesn’t have the resolve to orchestrate a conspiracy, at least not initially. The whole time, you’re wondering where he'll land. With the think-tank advisors (led by Clancy Brown as Robert McNamara ) or his earnest cousin Joe Gargan (Ed Helms)?

While Jason Clarke’s accent wavers at points, his performance is strong - cementing him as an actor who just needs that one great part to catapult him to A-list status. You have no idea which direction Chappaquiddick is going because he unleashes this deluge of uncertainty on-screen. Even at the end when we see the consequences of his actions and we then get a short blurb about the history onward, you’re still left with mixed emotions.

It’s a disappointment for Kate Mara to be underutilized and to a certain extent some of the impact is lost upon those who didn't grow up with the Kennedy’s. Today, it seems foolish not to expect politicians to have skeletons in their closet. Then again, putting yourself in the mental state of the people of the time is fun. Chappaquiddick never breaks through to become a must-see pulse-pounder or maddening revelation, meaning it kinda plays better as a rental but it's a solid pick for something to watch at home. In the best way, it gives you the important points needed to grab your interest and makes you want to read more about what really happened - how much of this is speculation, and what’s been corroborated with concrete evidence? (Rental version, January 28, 2019)