Chappaquiddick

Parental Rating: PG-13

Contains: Language    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens April 6, 2018

Runs 101 minutes

In 1969, Ted Kennedy (Jason Clarke) was being groomed to run for President. It was assumed that he would carry on the Kennedy legacy. Then one fateful night, Ted drove his car off a bridge with a young campaign activist, Mary Jo Kopechne (Kate Mara) in the front seat. He panicked and left Mary Jo to die. He waited eight hours to report the accident but by then it had already been discovered by the authorities. Based on true events and information documented in the inquest from the investigation, this tells the story of the political power and influence wielded by one of America's most prominent families. Ted never did run for President but he was re-elected to the Senate for decades, even after this tragic event.

The Husband and I liked this film. It was informative and well-acted. It was pretty amazing to see the back room deals and the power and influence of the Kennedy clan and those around them. Another interesting point was that all of this happened at the same time as the moon landing. What a crazy time. Joe Gargan (Ed Helms), Kennedy's cousin and close advisor tried to get Ted to do the right thing but he was pushed aside due to Kennedy's political ambition. They became estranged. I wonder what he thinks about this film? This is a film that tries to play it straight. It doesn't feel like a political hack piece. Ted did drive his car off a bridge, a young woman did die and Ted didn't report it. Those are the facts. Then the political machine sprung into action. From a historical perspective, this is an enlightening film. Well worth watching. Go see it.

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