Christine (2016) - A Movie Review

We all have these different versions trying to be distinct parts of ourselves.

Christine is a 2016 film based on the story of 1970s TV reporter Christine Chubbuck, who struggles with depression. Chubbuck is persistent in leading her own way at the news station, but her mental health causes roadblocks.

You have to know what you’re getting into before you watch Christine. This film explores mental health, but it focuses more on the darker aspects than on helping with alternatives. Always check in with friends and family because you never know the battles anyone faces.

Rebecca Hall is an incredible actress who completely disappears in any role she’s given. She is also very underrated and deserves more recognition. Hall puts herself into the complicated headspace of the late Christine Chubbak, emulating distressing emotions. Hall explores more layers than she needed to.

Chubbak is a leader in the reporting industry, but also makes opinions that nobody asks for. I agree that Hall should have been nominated for her unhinged performance. The acne that highlights Hall’s impeccable talents is Christine’s meltdown. It’s unsettling to watch her fight with her mother, and at the same time, I want to hug her.

Supporting credits include Michael C. Hall, Tracy Letts, Maria Dizzia, J. Smith Cameron, and more. All of Christine’s relationships are vital to her character. Depending on how accurate the movie’s accounts are, Christine’s associates try to understand her position and help.

Christine is a behind-the-scenes look at the reporting world, but not in the way you’d think. Now that I am a reporter, I relate to the stress of deadlines and writing stories true to the subject. I started researching the movie halfway through the film. I was right about the dark truth behind this story.

Why did Antonio Campos want to make a story about this woman? He was drawn to Craig Shilowich's script, who was also fascinated by Chubback’s story. Shilowich has also struggled with depression and anxiety. Campos and Shilowich wanted to humanize the late Chubbak and avoid a negative portrayal.

This film feels personal throughout as viewers follow Christine on her journey. Campos gradually builds the story, shifting in mood, until the dreaded climax. Filming the climax was the hardest day. Not only was it a technically demanding scene, but it also dug into everyone’s emotions.

Editing plays a significant role in the story, especially Christine’s manic behavior. Sofia Subercaseaux replicates manic cuts and scene changes in her edits. Filmmakers also discolored the cinematography to match the film’s darker tone and 70s trend.

After viewing this movie, I researched more of Chubback’s life, and even listened to the haunting recording of her controversial tape. To this day, her tape has been searched by many, but has been stored in a vault to avoid disrespect to Chubback’s life. Filmmakers never sought the videotape during production, as their attention was drawn more by the personal stories.

That’s my favorite aspect about this film. While we may never know why Chubbak did what she did, this film recognizes mental health. The film doesn’t offer easy answers about physical pain and misunderstandings of mental illness, but it offers a supportive hand for anyone who is struggling.

This is why mental health has become a top priority. Keep reaching out to others to see how they are. What would Chubbak’s life have been like if her situation had been avoided?

The film’s finale will likely shock viewers, so watch Christine with caution. Again, I implore you to research this movie before watching it because it’s not an uplifting story.