The Story of the Actress Known as SEBERG

Jeri Jacquin

Coming soon from Amazon Original to Prime Video from director Benedict Andrews is the story of an actress who did not go with the grain named SEBERG.

It is the 1960s and hot off her success in director Otto Preminger’s film Saint Joan actress Jean Seberg (Kristen Stewart) finds equal success in the Jean-Luc Godard’s film Breathless. Returning to Hollywood preparing for an audition for the next film from her home in France, she says goodbye to a young son Diego (Gabriel Sky) and husband Romain Gary (Yvan Attal).

On the plane she sees a vocal skirmish between the flight attendant and Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie).  Getting off her plane she notices the group of civil rights leaders speaking to the press. She takes a moment to join the group raising her fist to symbolize black power and the press is there to take photos of it all.

Instantly taking notice of Jean at the airport are two FBI investigators, Jack Solomon (Jack O’Connell) and Carl Kowalski (Vince Vaughn) with photos of their own that start an investigation into her activities. Jack can’t discuss what he is doing with medical student wife Linette (Margaret Qualley) who doesn’t fit in with the FBI wives.

Jack and Carl begin surveillance on Jean sneaking into her home and bugging it. It doesn’t take long before they see and hear that Seberg starts an affair with the married Jamal. Wanting to find a way to make it work to their advantage, Jean refuses to stop associating or giving financial support to those working in the civil rights movement.

Jack realizes that as the investigation goes deeper, that Jean begins to show signs of stress fearing that she is being watched and listened in on in every aspect of her life. It continues for years as the COINTELPRO agents continue to create untrue stories about her to the point of despair.

This is a story of a time where only one rumor needs to be believed to ruin someone’s life.

Stewart as Seberg does an excellent job of portraying a woman who was living the life of a star without realizing that it only takes one thing to set her world on fire. A once vibrant woman is put through a ringer that takes away the light Hollywood once saw in her. Stewart portrays that from the very beginning to the very end. Her performance is one that I won’t soon forget, well done.

O’Connell as Jack is a man dedicated to his job but also sees that after time what they are doing to Seberg becomes brutal and unnecessary.  O’Connell’s character brings moments of sanity to an FBI doing insane things, especially by some of the others in the group. It is a solid performance and I cheered him at one point and so will you.

Vaughn as Kowalski is pretty much a vicious human being who has no problem being vocal about what everyone else in America is doing wrong. He feels it is his job to destroy anything that gets in the way of being a good American. He treatment of his own family is a perfect example of the unhinged attitude. Mackie as Jamal is taken with Seberg and does not think about the repercussions of his actions in the moment, but it becomes clear that he is surrounded by others who are not about to take what he is doing lightly. The relationship goes against what his group believes in every way.

Attal as Gary is a husband who isn’t about to make a scene learning that Jean is putting herself in danger. Trying to support her fears of surveillance, a decision must be made and it is not an easy one. Qualley as Linette is a wife who doesn’t fit into the stereotype of what an FBI wife should be. Learning that Seberg is the person her husband is investigating brings her own questions about his work. I was happy with Qualley’s moxy!

Other cast include Colm Meaney as Frank Ellroy, Zazie Beetz as Dorothy Jamal, Jade Pettyjohn as Jenny Kowalski, Ser’Darius Blain as Louis Lewis, James Jordan as Roy Maddow, Stephen Root as Walt Breckman, Celeste Pechous as Betsy Ellroy and Laura Campell as Mary Kowalski.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series.

SEBERG is a sad story of a life that is plagued in a time where nothing was off the table in the ways of the FBI. If a behavior was found un-American then the group found ways to destroy a person through surveillance, rumor, innuendo and using the press to do their dirty work. It was a time of intolerance in secret.

Jean Seberg may have looked like she had everything together on the outside (which is the goal of being a Hollywood starlet), but her personal life became a shamble. Filled with failed affairs, relationships, and marriages, it is not surprise that her death would be as mysterious as she was.

The cast of SEBERG truly bring her story together in 102-minute time and done so extremely well. The cinematography, sets and costuming lend itself to luring the viewer into the 1960s. Stewart’s performance tie it all together beautifully.

In the end – actress, activist and adversary!

UNDERWATER Brings Tension in the Ocean’s Depths

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director William Eubank and 20^th Century Home Entertainment comes the depths of the Mariana Trench and what is truly UNDERWATER.

Deep below the depths is a research laboratory platform that in a minute becomes a potential watery grave. Mechanical Engineer Norah (Kristen Stewart) is the first to notice the leaking vessel as the walls begin to close in and wetter rushes in. Trying to alert the crew, she finds Rodrigo (Mamoudou Athie) as they look for the safest place to be.

Making their way they find crew mate Paul (T.J. Miller), Emily (Jessica Henwick), Smith (John Gallagher Jr.) and Lee (Gunner Wright) as well as the Captain (Vincent Cassel). Knowing they have no choice but to leave the platform, the Captain decides the best route is to another platform and to go by walking!

Almost immediately there is a sense that something is down in the depths with them. The shadows come closer and closer until the creatures reveal themselves. Their goal is to take out the humans and the human’s goal is to get to the other platform alive.

Norah knows how to work the mechanics to try and keep their oxygen packs working and as the group is taken down one by one, she is more determined than ever to get to the surface!

What is down in the depths with them is nothing anyone has ever seen before.

Stewart as Norah doesn’t waste a moment jumping into action. Practically from the beginning of the film the action kicks in and so does Stewart. She thinks fast on her feet (considering what is under her feet is quickly turning to water) and is doing everything to keep her wits. This isn’t a role that will make or break Stewart, but it is a role that is pretty strong, and I don’t mind that.

Cassel as the Captain knows the only way out is through the murky waters and doing it walking in very heavy suits. Having the chance to get out while the getting was good, the Captain wants everyone to get out. I love Cassel because he is so diverse in every role he has played and can get flamboyant or subtle, but his presence is palpable.

Henwick as Emily is a young woman who isn’t having an easy time accepting what is happening and what is going to happen. She has a nervous talk and covers a wide range of subjects in a short period of time one minute and can hold a conversation with herself the next. Then again, I’m not sure how any of us would react in that situation!

Miller is the winner of the film and he is hilarious which is the tension breaker in a film loaded with it. His one-liners and need for a bunny gave us all the chance to laugh off the intensity of the story. I just love any time he’s on screen because I never know what’s going to come out of his mouth. Gallagher Jr. and Wright get a chance to run for their lives as well and once the creature is exposed, its just run or be food.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

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UNDERWATER is a mixture of genre films like ALIENS, THE ABYSS and the like but you know what – I’m good with that. UNDERWATER is an intense, humorous (thanks to Miller) and seat jumping story that doesn’t require a lot from the audience. I know that sounds a bit snarky but I don’t mean it that way at all.

There is a film that just lets you sit back with a popcorn and have a good time. I don’t know anyone that didn’t have a jump for five or six thanks to a creature that is just too creepy to be on land. Instead, there is a right amount of everything in UNDERWATER.

This is an experience of thrills and watery chills because it’s a great way to be entertained!

In the end – seven miles below the ocean surface something has awakened!

UNDERWATER Brings Tension in the Ocean’s Depths

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director William Eubank and 20^th Century Fox comes the depths of the Mariana Trench and what is truly UNDERWATER.

Deep below the depths is a research laboratory platform that in a minute becomes a potential watery grave. Mechanical Engineer Norah (Kristen Stewart) is the first to notice the leaking vessel as the walls begin to close in and wetter rushes in. Trying to alert the crew, she finds Rodrigo (Mamoudou Athie) as they look for the safest place to be.

Making their way they find crew mate Paul (T.J. Miller), Emily (Jessica Henwick), Smith (John Gallagher Jr.) and Lee (Gunner Wright) as well as the Captain (Vincent Cassel). Knowing they have no choice but to leave the platform, the Captain decides the best route is to another platform and to go by walking!

Almost immediately there is a sense that something is down in the depths with them. The shadows come closer and closer until the creatures reveal themselves. Their goal is to take out the humans and the human’s goal is to get to the other platform alive.

Norah knows how to work the mechanics to try and keep their oxygen packs working and as the group is taken down one by one, she is more determined than ever to get to the surface!

What is down in the depths with them is nothing anyone has ever seen before.

Stewart as Norah doesn’t waste a moment jumping into action. Practically from the beginning of the film the action kicks in and so does Stewart. She thinks fast on her feet (considering what is under her feet is quickly turning to water) and is doing everything to keep her wits. This isn’t a role that will make or break Stewart, but it is a role that is pretty strong, and I don’t mind that.

Cassel as the Captain knows the only way out is through the murky waters and doing it walking in very heavy suits. Having the chance to get out while the getting was good, the Captain wants everyone to get out. I love Cassel because he is so diverse in every role he has played and can get flamboyant or subtle, but his presence is palpable.

Henwick as Emily is a young woman who isn’t having an easy time accepting what is happening and what is going to happen. She has a nervous talk and covers a wide range of subjects in a short period of time one minute and can hold a conversation with herself the next. Then again, I’m not sure how any of us would react in that situation!

Miller is the winner of the film and he is hilarious which is the tension breaker in a film loaded with it. His one-liners and need for a bunny gave us all the chance to laugh off the intensity of the story. I just love any time he’s on screen because I never know what’s going to come out of his mouth. Gallagher Jr. and Wright get a chance to run for their lives as well and once the creature is exposed, its just run or be food.

UNDERWATER is a mixture of genre films like ALIENS, THE ABYSS and the like but you know what – I’m good with that. I understand that January isn’t the month for big time releases which might play well for the film. UNDERWATER is an intense, humorous (thanks to Miller) and seat jumping story that doesn’t require a lot from the audience. I know that sounds a bit snarky but I don’t mean it that way at all.

There is something awesome about the holidays being over and needing a film that just lets you sit back with a tub of popcorn and have a good time. I don’t know anyone that didn’t have a jump for five or six thanks to a creature that is just too creepy to be on land. Instead, there is a right amount of everything in UNDERWATER.

So load up family and friends to hit the theatre for an experience of thrills and watery chills because it’s a great way to start the new year!

In the end – seven miles below the ocean surface something has awakened!

Another Side of the Story We Haven’t Heard About LIZZIE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Craig William Macneill and Roadside Attractions is a tragic tale when it comes to LIZZIE.

Lizzie Borden (Chloë Sevigny) is a woman who is unimpressed by what others think of her much to the irritation of her father Andrew (Jamey Sheridan). Living in her father’s home in Fall Rivers, Massachusetts with sister Emma (Kim Dickens) and step-mother Abby (Fiona Shaw), Lizzie is keenly aware of everything.

Especially when she realizes that her father Andrew has been handling his affairs in a way that Lizzie feels is irresponsible. When servant Bridget Sullivan (Kristen Stewart) comes into the home, Lizzie begins to feel as if there is someone in that house who understands her.

Constantly under her father’s thumb, Lizzie rebels when she can and the consequences are physically draining. Making matters even more dangerous, Andrew has given John Morse (Denis O’Hare) more control over family affairs. Even sister Emma tries to reason with Lizzie explaining this is how their life is.

As their relationship progresses, it is Lizzie’s father who begins to tighten the hold on both his daughter and Bridget. That is when the two women decide that nothing is going to keep them apart.

Nothing and no one.

Sevigny as Lizzie is intense, keeping her emotions in check but making sure her words cut deep and swift. Making it as clear as possible, no matter what her fathers says Lizzie will have her own life. Sevigny has that ability to keep a stoic expression and although this may be based on a true story, she isn’t giving anything away.

Stewart as Bridgett is just as nervous and a cat on a hot tin roof living in the Borden home. Dealing with Andrew’s proclivities, she finds solace with Lizzie that isn’t setting to well with the other members of the family. After the murders is where the mystery between the two women grows and Stewart plays her part well.

Sheridan as Andrew is a man who doesn’t treat others the way he would want to be treated. In fact, he sees mostly everyone as someone for him to control and take serious advantage of. The tension between Andrew and Lizzie is a battle of wills. Sheridan takes on the battle and gives more than a few jaw dropping moments.

Shaw as Abby is a woman attempting to take over the spot left by Borden’s first wife and Lizzie isn’t having a minute of it. Shaw is stern and goes along to get along but don’t think for one moment she isn’t clued in on what goes on inside her own home. Dickens as Emma just wants her sister to not make waves and again, that isn’t sitting well with Lizzie.

O’Hare as John Morse is the sleazy, greedy uncle and had every reason to do the job himself but he was never accused. Instead he completely loses his mind when believing he had his life settled with the stroke of a pen on a will. Once again Lizzie makes sure he is put in his place.

Other cast include Jeff Perry as Andrew Jennings, Tara Ochs as Susan Gilbert, Jay Huguley as William Moody, and Tom Thon as Professor Wood.

LIZZIE is the story of Lizzie Borden who, on August 4, 1892, was accused of axing her father Andrew and step-mother Abbey to death. Going to trial for the murders brought the town notoriety and when acquitted of the charges, saw the beginnings of a mystery that has lasted to this day.

This is not the first hint that Lizzie was caught in an intense relationship as the as the 1984 book Lizzie was the first time I was introduced to the possibility that the axe wielding young woman was caught in a love affair. Now writer Bruce Kass and director Craig Macneill bring it all to the screen and once again we are left to decide.

The cast brings it all into riveting focus with hints, family secrets and what could truly have been going on behind the doors of the Borden home. In 1975, actress Elizabeth Montgomery of the television series Bewitched fame game a harrowing performance about Lizzie Borden. This was considered shocking at the time and if you haven’t seen that version I suggest you should, it’s very well done.

Now, with LIZZIE, the story is expanded in another direction that brings Lizzie Borden and her entire household into question. Sevigny and Stewart are the bearers of great burden and an even greater secret and it became clear through their performances that their characters would take a secret to their graves.

The cinematography is bleak and color deprived which only adds to the story of a bleak and color deprived household. I love the costuming but I truly am a fan of period pieces that are done extremely well as in this case.

In the end – it is the legend of Lizzie Borden!