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Laramie Movie Scope:
Hilary and Jackie

A story of slightly twisted musical sisters

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by Robert Roten, Film Critic
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Jan 1, 1999 -- "Hilary and Jackie" isn't about first ladies at all, it is about two talented musical sisters and their odd relationship. It is based on the true story of Hilary and Jacqueline Du Pré, adapted from a book, "Genius in the Family," written by Hilary and her brother, Piers Du Pré.

The story follows the two child prodigies from an early age into their adulthood. Each girl takes a different path in life. Hilary, a gifted flautist, marries conductor Kiffer Finzi and moves to the country to raise a large family. Jackie, a prodigy on the cello, marries concert pianist Daniel Barenboim (James Frain) and the two travel in wildly successful and seemingly neverending musical tours around the world.

Jackie, however, is unable to stand the strain. She feels that the only reason people in general, and her husband, Daniel Barenboim, in particular, love her, is because of her musical talent. Emotionally drained, she returns to her sister and asks for her sister and and bother-in-law's love. What happens next is truly strange.

Jackie eventually leaves the farm and soon comes down with what appears to be multiple sclerosis. She loses her ability to play, or even hear, music, but she learns that she is still loved. There is also a weird time travel element to the story.

Emily Watson, ("Breaking the Waves") stars as Jackie and she gives a great performance, as does Rachel Griffiths ("My Best Friend's Wedding," "Murial's Wedding") who plays her put-upon sister. The rest of the cast is also excellent and the music is very good. Most of the principle actors in the film learned to play instruments in order to make the musical scenes look more realistic. Jackie Du Pré's recording of Elgar's Cello Concerto in E Minor is played three scenes in the film. The other cello music in the film are played by Cellist Caroline Dale, while Sally Heath played the piano pieces and David Heath played the flute.

The story, which degenerates into a sort of take-off on the old dying jock thing ("Bang the Drum Slowly," "Brian's Song," etc.) and the time-travel bit, which didn't add much to the tale, was a bit weak, but the film's other strengths overcome that. This film rates a C+.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

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Copyright © 1999 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.
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Robert Roten can be reached via e-mail at my last name at lariat dot org. [Mailer button: image of letter and envelope]