October 29, 2010

Hilary and Jackie

This week, I watched a movie based on the real story called Hilary and Jackie. The film was a tribute to Jacqueline du Pré nicknamed Jackie, who was a cellist recognized as one of the prestigious music prodigies in the twentieth century. After Jackie’s death of multiple sclerosis, her sister Hilary unveiled the story behind her talented performances. Were it not the multi narrative arrangement of the film, Jackie’s reputation might be shattered due to some scandalous discoveries about her abnormal behavior.

Hilary and Jackie’s childhood is miserable with their mother’s domination to make them master in music instruments and win numerous medals. Ironically, they are bosom friends as well as rivals, practicing instruments together but fighting for people’s attention when being on stage. In the beginning, Hilary is under much spotlight with her proficiency in flute; however, her glory is gradually seized by Jackie whose effort on cello has also paid off. Therefore, she chooses to give up her specialty and gets married, escaping from the shadow of her sister by living in the countryside. Just when she finally composes herself, Jackie appears once again like a lingering nightmare. As a married woman, Jackie steps in Hilary’s family and tries to deprive her of her husband and children. Knowing that Jackie is mentally ill, Hilary succumbs to her first but drives her away after breaking down.

Apparently, the above descriptions are from Hilary’s perspective, so audience like me might stand on her side and denounce Jackie for her arbitrariness. However, the following story focusing on Jackie explains that the anomaly in her behavior is actually resulted from a lack of security. Jackie has got used for Hilary’s company during her touring performances, because that’s the only way to build up her confidence. On hearing Hilary getting married and moving away, she is overwhelmed with the feeling of betrayal. Therefore, she takes revenge by marrying a well-known Jewish pianist plus conductor, Danny, whose fame and wealth are superior to Hilary’s husband. However, later on Jackie comes to realize their relationship is built up not so much with love as work due to the nonstop performances demanded by her husband. Therefore, with much despair, she seeks for the trustiest person Hilary, and tries to experience what it feels like to own an ordinary family without the public attention. In this sense, the whole event comes to an impartial conclusion that the two sisters are both suffering from the reality: Hilary is overshadowed with inferiority to Jackie, while Jackie’s disposition is distorted with solitude.

In sum, as the title suggests, the film focuses on the sisters’ relationship. Therefore, the story is narrated from Hilary and Jackie’s perspectives respectively instead of the typical chronological order. This arrangement enables audience to make fair judgments about the characters without being misled by the narrator’s subjectivity. 

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  • 1樓

    1樓搶頭香

    Dear Sophia,
    I haven't heard of this movie until I read your journal. It seems to me a
    very interesting film. And thank you for not revealing too many deatils of
    it. If you watch any interesting film next time and share your thought
    again, I'd be happy and grateful.
    Carrie

  • nygogo123 at November 13, 2010 05:10 AM comment | prosecute
  • 2樓

    2樓頸推

    偈举劰


    (貝兼- 金戈) 看這裡...
    http://www.jinn-yang.com


    名冖

  • at February 4, 2012 09:47 PM comment | email
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