Imagine being a stranger to a family of royalty, thrust into their midst and expected to navigate the intricacies of their lives. That's the reality of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, a woman whose life was forever changed when she married John F. Kennedy Jr.
A Royal Family of Our Own
Like her British counterpart, Princess Diana, Carolyn was an outsider to the Kennedys' inner circle, yet she became an integral part of their family. She was a career woman, a model of intelligence, poise, and control, who seemed to effortlessly navigate the complexities of her new life.
FX's "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette" is a real-life romance anthology that explores the lives of this iconic couple. Created by Connor Hines and adapted from Elizabeth Beller's book "Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy," the show is a revisionist project that makes Carolyn its protagonist.
A Complicated Legacy
Carolyn was a unique blend of vulnerability and strength, and actress Sarah Pidgeon brings her to life with a brilliant performance. She captures Carolyn's complexity, showcasing her intelligence, poise, and ambition, as well as her reticence to step into the Kennedy spotlight.
The show also explores the lives of other Kennedy family members, including John's older sister, Caroline, played by Grace Gummer. However, the cast is not without its flaws. Naomi Watts' portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is broad and baby-voiced, and the show's handling of the media's scrutiny of the Kennedys is heavy-handed.
A Gilded Cage
One of the show's greatest assets is its attention to detail in its portrayal of 1990s New York City. The production design, costume design, and music all come together to create an immersive experience that transports viewers to a bygone era.
However, the show's narrative is slow and repetitive, and it barely scratches the surface of the couple's lives before they met. It focuses on their relationship and the media's scrutiny of it, without delving deeper into the complexities of their lives and the impact they had on American society.
A Missed Opportunity
FX's "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette" had the potential to be a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the lives of this iconic couple. However, it falls short of its potential, opting for a more superficial and melodramatic approach.
The show's focus on the media's scrutiny of the Kennedys is timely, but it doesn't offer any real insight into the impact they had on American society. It's a shame, because if the people we put on pedestals are mirrors for society, then what did the Kennedys say about us in the 1960s, the '90s, and today?
In the end, "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette" feels like a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of their lives and the impact they had on American society. Instead, it provides a glossy, superficial portrayal of a bygone era.
For all its flaws, however, the show's attention to detail and its portrayal of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy are worth watching. Perhaps with a more nuanced approach, "Love Story" could have been a truly compelling exploration of the lives of this iconic couple.
As it stands, "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette" is a reminder that even the most iconic couples can be reduced to stereotypes and melodrama. It's a shame, because their story is complex and multifaceted, and it deserves a more thoughtful and nuanced approach.
