Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Jason Clarke | ... | Ted Kennedy | |
Kate Mara | ... | Mary Jo Kopechne | |
Ed Helms | ... | Joseph Gargan | |
Bruce Dern | ... | Joseph Kennedy | |
Jim Gaffigan | ... | Paul Markham | |
Olivia Thirlby | ... | Rachel | |
Clancy Brown | ... | Robert McNamara | |
Taylor Nichols | ... | Ted Sorensen | |
John Fiore | ... | Chief Arena | |
Gillian Mariner Gordon | ... | Cricket (as Gillian Gordon) | |
Katie Henoch | ... | Suzy (as Kate Henoch) | |
Lexie Roth | ... | Nance | |
Angela Hope Smith | ... | Maryellen | |
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Vince Tycer | ... | David Burke |
Victor Warren | ... | Stephen Smith |
The scandal and mysterious events surrounding the tragic drowning of a young woman, as Ted Kennedy drove his car off the infamous bridge, are revealed in the new movie starring Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy and Kate Mara as Mary Jo Kopechne. Not only did this event take the life of an aspiring political strategist and Kennedy insider, but it ultimately changed the course of presidential history forever. Through true accounts, documented in the inquest from the investigation in 1969, director John Curran and writers Andrew Logan and Taylor Allen, intimately expose the broad reach of political power, the influence of America's most celebrated family; and the vulnerability of Ted Kennedy, the youngest son, in the shadow of his family legacy.
Growing up in the 60's, and a fan of JFK, I recall reading about this event as an unfortunate driving accident involving Kennedy's younger brother Ted and his secretary Mary Jo, who had been drinking at a party, and were probably having an affair. Seeing this movie, I can't help but think it should have been made a long time ago, as so much is revealed about what really happened. But, I still think this is an important film for my generation and younger people who tend to hero worship without uncovering the tragic flaws. It's also a dramatic eye-opener about the political machinations used to retain power. The actors are good, the story is compelling, but more time spent on Ted before and after would have made it better. And I came away sad about Mary Jo and her family in view of her dedication to a worthy cause.