“If it bleeds, it leads.” So says the manager of an independent TV station in this dark and disturbing biopic. He wants juicier stories for his low-rated newscast, much to the chagrin of eccentric news reporter Christine Chubbuck. It sets the stage for a horrific and disturbing real life event that forms the basis of this story. Unlike the new station motto, Christine avoids sensationalism, presenting a perceptive character study with a standout performance from star Rebecca Hall.
Unfortunately, viewers will never be certain of exactly why Christine Chubbuck did what she did live on air in 1974. But this film provides enough insight and subtle clues to give us some idea of her psychological issues and distressed mental state. The story begins with 29-year old correspondent producing human-interest stories for a station in Sarasota, Florida. Firm and opinionated, she butts heads with her station manager (Tracy Letts), frustrated that he wants exploitative material instead of more important and insightful personal stories.
As we follow Christine’s routine, it becomes obvious that her extremely introverted quirks are hiding deeper issues. For one, she has a crush on station anchor George (Michael C. Hall), but appears to reject and avoid his attention whenever she receives it. “I can shut people out even when I don’t mean to,” she admits. Sadly, her frustrations at work are often released on family members.
The film is carried by Rebecca Hall’s performance and she does exceptionally well in an unusual and challenging role. Christine is a bit of an odd duck with direct (and sometimes blunt) delivery, unusual mannerisms and mood swings, but the performance sympathetically captures her anxiety and general discomfort in her own skin. One can almost feel the reporter’s insides twisting as those around attempt to get her to adjust her thinking and open up. Despite being work-obsessed, she’s clearly uncomfortable with those around her and it all feels incredibly genuine.
As for the reporter’s actions on the air, viewers will have to make the determination of exactly when she decided to do what she ultimately did and for what reason. Thankfully, the event itself is handled quickly; the movie is far more interested in the inner workings of Christine and suggestions of events that may have provided motivation. It doesn’t spell things out, but there’s plenty here that leads to some conclusions and displays an alienated individual.
Another plus is the film’s pacing. Despite being a character piece and running a full two hours, it doesn’t feel slow or ponderous. One gets a sense of the station and its various personalities with broadcasts and work events. Through it all, Christine remains enough of an enigma to engage our interest and psychoanalyze without being completely distanced from the character or her predicament. It’s an incredibly difficult job and the cast and crew pull it off effortlessly.
It’s a truly sad tale, but there is plenty of insight into depression as well as its effect on individuals. Christine is a brilliantly acted portrait of one such person and the tragic events that befell a TV station more than 40 years ago.