Christine is an on-air reporter who is “always on the lookout for a positive human interest story.” Her boss has another approach to the news: “If it bleeds, it leads.” This tension is one of many explored in a newly released trailer for “Christine,” an upcoming drama starring Rebecca Hall. The film is based on the true, tragic story of Florida-based news reporter Christine Chubbuck, who committed suicide on live television in 1974.
The trailer shows Christine struggling to find happiness in her career and personal life. She clashes with her ratings-driven boss (“Homeland’s” Tracy Letts), is harboring intense romantic feelings for a co-worker (“Dexter’s” Michael C. Hall), and has a dysfunctional, co-dependent relationship with her mother (“Rectify’s” J. Smith-Cameron).
“Christine” made its World Premiere at Sundance and is screening at TIFF. I caught a screening at the latter, and identified Hall’s performance as one of the fest’s highlights. Hall does a fantastic job of depicting Christine’s awkwardness without even the slightest trace of maliciousness in her portrayal. It’s so evident that she feels for her character, and she makes it impossible not to empathize with her, even when Christine is being unreasonable or oblivious. She’s simply heartbreaking.
Hall is getting some well-deserved Oscar buzz for the role. Her previous credits include “Vicky Christina Barcelona,” “Frost/Nixon,” “Iron Man 3,” and “The BFG.”
The film opens in theaters October 14. Check out the tense trailer below.
