CHRISTINE (Antonio Campos). 120 minutes. Opens Friday (October 14). See listing. Rating: NNNN
Christine is a biopic about news reporter Christine Chubbuck, who committed suicide on TV in 1974. Exploring the all-consuming realities of depression and anxiety, the film offers an engrossing character study for actor Rebecca Hall. Instead of focusing on the “If it bleeds, it leads” newsroom ethos, Campos’s sensitive direction, informed by Craig Shilowich’s smart script, realistically conveys insurmountable stress and behind-the-scenes broadcast politics. Despite some narrative dead air leading up to the inevitable conclusion, Hall’s portrayal of the fragile Chubbuck amidst newsroom pressures and industry sexism is more than enough reason to stay tuned.