In a remarkable eight-year journey, director Pablo Larraín has captivated audiences with a trilogy of films spotlighting influential women of the 20th century. With the recent release of his 2024 film, Maria, it’s an opportune moment to delve into a comparative analysis of these cinematic works. Larraín, renowned for his historical narratives, has long explored significant historical events and figures, particularly from his native Chile. Before embarking on this trilogy, he directed a biopic on the revered poet Pablo Neruda, establishing a distinctive niche in the realm of biographical storytelling.
To appreciate Larraín’s approach, we can chronologically examine the trilogy: Jackie (2016), Spencer (2021), and Maria (2024). Each film portrays a highly regarded woman whose life story intersects with pivotal historical moments. For instance, while Jacqueline Kennedy and Diana Spencer navigate the turbulent waters of politics, Maria Callas stands apart as a celebrated opera singer. Regardless of their varying backgrounds, all three women grapple with deep personal tragedies amidst public scrutiny, a theme that Larraín poignantly explores throughout this trilogy.
3 Maria (2024)
The Final Days Of Maria Callas
Among Larraín’s cinematic endeavors, Maria has emerged as the most scrutinized entry. Set in 1977, the film narrates the poignant final days of Maria Callas, one of the greatest opera singers in history, as she retreats to Paris for solace and reflection. Despite her legendary status, Callas faced an early decline in her voice, which tragically cut her career short at just 40 years. This untimely downfall was exacerbated by her premature death at 53, lending an additional layer of sorrow to her narrative.
Currently boasting a Certified Fresh score of 76% from critics and a 66% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Maria finds itself at the lower end of Larraín’s trilogy in terms of reception. Nonetheless, it has garnered praise for Angelina Jolie’s compelling portrayal of Callas and the film’s atmospheric depth. Critics argue that Maria serves as an essential introduction to Callas, employing a unique narrative approach that distinguishes it from typical biopics. The film’s focus on Callas’ last days adds a refreshing twist, diverging from traditional storytelling methods.
However, this innovative perspective may simultaneously limit the film’s comprehensive exploration of Callas’ life. By gearing the narrative towards her final moments, audiences may feel a disconnect from the more intricate details of her illustrious career and tumultuous personal experiences. While the emotional weight of Maria resonates, viewers could depart without a full understanding of Callas as a multifaceted individual, placing it slightly behind Larraín’s other offerings.
2 Spencer (2021)
A Difficult Holiday With Diana Spencer
Spencer, Larraín’s 2021 film, stands out as the second-best entry in the trilogy. It chronicles Diana Spencer’s emotional turmoil during Christmas 1991, tackling themes of infidelity and isolation spurred by her husband Charles’ affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. In these few intense days, the film encapsulates the profound struggles faced by Diana, both in terms of her crumbling marriage and the oppressive weight of her royal responsibilities.
The film has received mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike. Critics awarded it a Certified Fresh rating of 83%; however, audience ratings diverged significantly, resting at 52%. Many lauded the film for its capacity to authentically encapsulate Diana’s distress and present her circumstances as universally relatable. Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of the beloved Princess of Wales has similarly drawn accolades for its depth and authenticity.
Notably, Spencer stands out for its artistic departure from traditional biopics, embracing a more experimental narrative style. It transforms Diana’s struggles into a poignant fable of resilience. Yet, this experimental nature has sparked debate; while some viewers appreciated the film’s abstract sequences, others found them perplexing, considering the film overly theatrical. The disparity between critical acclaim and audience reception highlights Spencer as perhaps the most polarizing film in Larraín’s trilogy.
1 Jackie (2016)
Jacqueline Kennedy’s Life After JFK’s Death
Leading the pack is Jackie, arguably the finest film in Larraín’s trilogy. The narrative unfolds in the week following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, showcasing Jacqueline Kennedy’s emotional battle as she navigates grief amidst public scrutiny. The film meticulously portrays her vulnerability alongside her indomitable strength, emphasizing her control over her public image.
Earning a Certified Fresh score of 88% from critics and a 60% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, Jackie resonates deeply, as Larraín succeeds in exploring the complexities of Jacqueline’s character. The film candidly addresses her fraught emotions and personal struggles, rendering her not merely a figurehead but a relatable human grappling with profound loss. Natalie Portman’s masterful performance breathes life into Jackie, capturing her multifaceted spirit.
However, Jackie is not without criticism. Some viewers pointed to its deliberate pacing as problematic, suggesting that this film may not cater to everyone’s tastes. Historical dramas often evoke polarizing reactions, but Jackie, alongside Spencer and Maria, remains a significant cinematic exploration of influential women from the 20th century. Each film presents engaging performances and deeply emotional narratives that leave a lasting impact on audiences.
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