Supernova

Author(s): Brian
Location: Arizona

“Supernova"

Written and Directed by Patty Jenkins
Music by Philip Glass
Produced by Edward Saxon and Butch Hartman

Principal Cast:

Laura Linney (Brynn Hartman)
Alec Baldwin (Phil Hartman)
Catherine Keener (Gretchen Lewis)
Allison Janney (Lisa Strain)
Wes Bentley (Butch Hartman)

Tagline: “A Woman Without Sanity. A World Without Mercy”

Synopsis: Brynn Hartman always wanted to be a star. She had done some stage work, been in a movie or two and had a couple of guest-spots on some TV shows. When she marries comedy star Phil Hartman, her career, for the most part, dies. She becomes a typical housewife whose main duty is to raise the kids and attend social events with her famous husband. And that is what quietly sends her over the edge. Without anyone knowing it, including herself, Brynn begins to obsess over her husband. She spies on him at work, questions people about his faithfulness and eventually uses her children as resources. Her condition worsens. She begins to think that everyone is turning on her and becomes convinced that Phil is cheating on her with his ex-wives Lisa and Gretchen. Although her family does notice these changes, they choose that they are not serious enough to warrant making an issue. The majority of the film is simply about Brynn and Phil’s relationship and how it changes with added media coverage and, of course, Brynn’s insanity. In the end, Brynn, as we know, kills her husband and herself on May 28, 1998 in their home, right in front of the kids. This film is a lesson in history, mental health and relationships that no one should miss.

What the press would say:

No one was expecting Phil Hartman to die. And yet, on May 28, 1998, the world stood in shock. But what was really happening? Well, Patty Jenkins’ new film “Supernova” asks—and answers—that question, from the perception of his wife. It also answers the question of “who will win Best Actress at the Oscars this year?” Laura Linney stars as Brynn Hartman, the wife of the comic legend. This is one of the greatest performances in the history of film. Linney is somehow able to find a human in the notorious murderess. Without her performance, the film would be bleak and depressing, but it is instead fascinating and even a little inspiring. Because there are other aspects of the film I would like to talk about, I will leave it at this: Laura Linney should and will win the Oscar for “Supernova.” Critics across America, including myself, agree.

While Linney is the best part of the film, she is certainly not the only redeeming quality of it. Alec Baldwin plays Phil Hartman to perfection. In an interview, he told talk show host Jay Leno that he spent nearly two months researching Hartman, and every second of research is evident. He plays Hartman so convincingly, the viewer feels as though they are reliving his gruesome murder. Of course, this whole ensemble is remarkable. Allison Janney, Catherine Keener and Wes Bentley are great as well, and I would be campaigning for them if their roles weren’t so small.

Overall, I cannot recommend “Supernova” enough. It has the best script and direction of the year, Baldwin is mesmerizing and, as anyone who has ever read a review of the film before knows, contains an absolutely flawless performance by Laura Linney.

FYC:

Best Picture
Best Director (Patty Jenkins)
Best Actress (Laura Linney)
Best Supporting Actor (Alec Baldwin)
Best Original Screenplay (Patty Jenkins)
Best Film Editing