This film is not only autobiographical and frighteningly close to reality, but a weighty symbol of activism and, by the way, a visual masterpiece. Kristen Stewart shines in full, theatrical splendor.
Despite the delayed start due to the pandemic, the topicality of the Jean Seberg film is more appropriate than almost any other. The actual premiere was celebrated almost a year ago at the Venice Film Festival. But the timing of its publication couldn’t be more appropriate.
In terms of content, the film is limited to three years of the iconic Nouvelle Vague actress Jean Seberg. Her short blonde haircut and her typical 60s style as well as her expressive face were typical characteristics of hers. It was also the three years of her life during which she achieved great European success thanks to her films “Out of Breath” and “Saint Johanna”. It was also an exciting time for her because she began to be active.
After her return to the USA in 1968, local public life was marked by unrest and demonstrations due to the Vietnam War.
The actress is committed to the Black Panther movement, radical black civil rights activists who fight against police violence and try to build up schools and centers for child nutrition in the slums of the Big cities.
It’s getting interesting when Black Panther activist Hakim Jamal and Jean meet for the first time on a plane. You can tell immediately the extraordinary attraction between the two, and it was only a matter of time before the two quickly start an affair in subsequent scenes.
Jean becomes an important supporter of the Black Panther movement, but the FBI sees her as a thorn in the side. In the course of the film, the government tries everything to damage Jeans career and reputation in the long term, to mislead her and also to spy on without scruples, even into her private bedroom.
Kristen Stewart plays the following paranoia of the main protagonist so authentically and true to character that the initially shallow film quickly develops into a captivating thriller.
The fate of Jean Seberg is actually not a happy ending. But in the end, you have the feeling that you are one step closer to justice, even if it may just be a fallacy.
Jean Seberg – Against all Enemies is an ingenious, perfectly staged autobiographical film with visual charm for anyone who likes to lose themselves in the late 1960s aesthetics and would like to show their parents an activist film to show them that activism is so important today as never before.
