Thursday, June 19, 2008

Gone Since November

Author(s): Chris Perkins
Location: Illinois

"Gone Since November"


Directed and Written by James Mangold
Adapted from the book "America's Queen: The Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis"
Distributed by Miramax Films
Music by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek
Edited by Tariq Anwar
Costume Design by Sandy Powell
Makeup by Christine Beveridge

Main Cast

Jeanne Tripplehorn as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Alfred Molina as Aristotle Onassis
Mira Sorvino as Tina Livanos
Emmy Rossum as Christina Onassis
Dylan Walsh as Teddy Kennedy
Lisa Zane as Maria Callas
Justin Baldoni as Alexander Onassis

Tagline: "Love. Loss. Tragedy"

Synopsis: October 17th, 1968. It is announced that former First Lady and Greek shipping billionaire, Jacqueline Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis, plan to wed. News of the soon to be marriage is an astonishment to the public, a feeling of dismay from the couple's families, and a delight for the ever rampant paparazzi and tabloid magazines. It is a time when many are still grieving over the loss of one its shining Democratic hopefuls, Robert "Bobby" Kennedy, who was shot and killed in the Ambassador Hotel in L.A. just minutes after winning the state primary, and over the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Many are surprised to hear about the future wedding of Kennedy who still see her as a mourning widow who devoted her time to honoring the memory of her late and beloved husband. But behind closed doors, it's more raw and personal.

Flashback to June 5th, 1968. Bobby Kennedy has just been murdered. Jackie Kennedy is about ready to give up on the country she once knew, America. It wasn't but five years before that her husband was killed in Dallas, Texas by her side while they rode in the back of a car waving and greeting fans, reporters, and fellow politicians alike. She has become very bitter, depressed, and on the verge of a mental breakdown. It isn't soon that she phones in former colleague ,Aristotle, to ask for his care and protection. Throughout the rest of the summer, Jackie, her two kids, and Senator Teddy Kennedy aboard Onassis' yacht for a fine time to getaway from all the media that constantly follows their shadows. During the trip, it becomes apparent that Kennedy and Onassis have feelings for one another. They understand each others need for love and security. Teddy, the younger brother of John and Bobby, tries to convince Onassis not to propose marriage to Jackie due to how the public and press would take it. Onassis already had a notorious past. He paid the U.S. Government a $7 million fine after being indicted on criminal charges, he flaunted his tumultuous love affair with opera star Maria Callas, and his two children, Alexander and Christina, hate his guts over the divorce he and his bitter wife Tina had.

But Teddy's plea is no use. The couple wed just days after their engagement is announced. Unfortunately though, Jackie and Aristotle's rich and luxurious relationship is soon plagued with many complications and tragedies. Alexander and Christina hate their new stepmother and they constantly bump heads, Ari's relationship with Jackie is hurt after the death of a loved one which ends with him turning to old flame, Callas, for support, The Onassis' marriage drifts towards divorce, Christina attempts suicide, and Jackie tries to raise her growing children as she deals with her dysfunctional marriage and life as the memory of her slain husband reminds her of the life she once had before that fateful November day.

What the Press would say:

"Gone Since November" is an amazing piece of work. Never has there been a film that actually touches the inner core of the human soul and yet satisfies every major standard a critic or audience member may have. The film is pitch perfect in every way. The performances are superb, the directing and writing is excellent, and the emotion is very powerful and rings true to many who may or may not have lived during the time the film is set. James Mangold wrote and directed this impressive film in a way many may not have been able. He brings a whole different element to the so-called routine biopic and shows that these characters are real human begins who deal with hard hitting issues in their lives. Jeanne Tripplehorn gives an outstanding performance as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the former First Lady whose life changes after that fateful November day. Tripplehorn is a force to be reckoned with and shows real complexity to this role. The viewer understands every move this woman makes. She is sad and depressed and needs someone or something in her life to make her complete. She's truly amazing and is much deserved of recognition. Alfred Molina stars as the Greek shipping billionaire, Aristotle Onassis. A man whose life has never been anything but infamous. This is a man who loved and cared for his wife and children but was not able to stop caring for the woman he truly loved. Molina deliverers a fantastic supporting performance. He goes deep inside this character's mind and brings him to life in the most terrific way possible. "Gone Since November" is a gripping, riveting, and divine masterpiece that should be called the best of the year.

Awards Consideration

Best Picture
Best Director - James Mangold
Best Actress - Jeanne Tripplehorn
Best Supporting Actor - Alfred Molina
Best Adapted Screenplay - James Mangold
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing
Best Makeup

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