“Christine” is in vogue but I wasn’t really buying it. This exposé on depression just didn’t hit the right notes for me. I believe for a film audience to understand the severity of depression, we must form a connection to the character so that we need them to succeed. Unfortunately, this character is so emotionally removed from those around her that it was a struggle to form that connection. The screenwriters tried to throw a little morbid humor into the story with self-help group, which only furthered the sense that her struggle wasn’t that serious (and maybe even comical?) The odd occasional lighthearted tone in showing the character’s misfortunes interfered with my ability to empathize with the character and, despite what the critics have said, I think that the main issue with the film is Rebecca Hall’s interpretation of the character. I have really enjoyed her acting in "The Awakening" and "Frost/Nixon", but there was just something lacking in her portrayal of the timid and depressed Christine Chubbuck. The only reason that I’d recommend this film is so that you can experience the sudden climax of the story. It is important that you do not research the character before seeing the film, lest you ruin its most surprising moment. “Christine” deserves some credit for opening our eyes to an historical television event that you’ve probably never heard of. However, as a social commentary on the serious nature of depression, it is a complete miss.
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