THE SENATOR Is available on Digital HD NOW and DVD 20th August
Fast Sell:
An engrossing political thriller inspired by true events, the curse of family legacy and a web of lies take hold of a tragedy set to change both the influential Kennedy dynasty, and US history, forever.
Synopsis:
On July 18, 1969, Sen. Ted Kennedy drives his car off of a bridge on Massachusetts’ Chappaquiddick Island. The accident results in the death of passenger Mary Jo Kopechne, a 28-year-old campaign strategist who worked for Kennedy. The ongoing investigation into the mysterious and scandalous events forever alters his political legacy – and ultimately changes the course of presidential history.
Stars:
Jason Clarke (“Mudbound”)
Ed Helms (“The Office”)
Jim Gaffigan (“The Jim Gaffigan Show”)
Kate Mara (“House of Cards”)
Bruce Dern (“The Hateful Eight”)
Director: John Curran (“The Painted Veil”)
We Like It Because:
Putting the spotlight on the seldom explored, dark, defining moment of Kennedy family history, no detail is spared in this thorough character study of power, arrogance, and tragedy.
Stepping into the Senator’s shoes, Jason Clarke’s multifaceted performance as Ted F. Kennedy is one not of a well-imagined character, but a complex man. Riddled with guilt yet driven by ambition, Clarke guides us to front row seats of a show where struggles with family legacy, and displays of slimy self-preservation alike leave audiences debating whether to offer sympathy or condemnation. Behind Clarke is an equally talented supporting cast, including Academy Award nominee Bruce Dern as the ailing, yet venomous patriarch, Joe Kennedy Sr.
While his brothers like President John F. Kennedy are no strangers to film, the first dramatic retelling of Ted Kennedy’s darkest hour has been a long time coming. Rejecting Hollywood sensationalism in favour of a chilling sobriety, John Curran’s enthralling tale of political zeitgeist and the man caught in its shadow will ensure this chapter won’t just be left to the history books.