"Love Story" Series Navigates Casting, Criticism, and Kennedy Legacy
A limited series titled "Love Story," focusing on John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, faced significant casting challenges, particularly for the role of JFK Jr. Sarah Pidgeon was ultimately cast as Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.
Casting the Iconic Duo
An extensive international search was conducted for the actor to play JFK Jr. Paul Anthony Kelly, who had previously auditioned, was ultimately cast after a series of readings and final selections. Pidgeon and Kelly subsequently began building their on-screen chemistry, a crucial element for portraying the iconic couple.
Production and Creative Vision
The series, a Ryan Murphy production, is set to premiere on Feb. 12. Executive producer Brad Simpson and producing partner Nina Jacobson oversaw the project. Connor Hines developed the series as a writer, drawing inspiration from the book "Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy."
The narrative specifically focuses on Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's perspective, portraying her as a figure entering the Kennedy family's world and exploring her character beyond existing public perceptions.
The narrative focuses on Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's perspective, portraying her as a figure entering the Kennedy family's world and exploring her character beyond existing public perceptions.
Wardrobe Refinements Amidst Criticism
Initial public reaction to set images and costume tests generated online criticism regarding historical accuracy. To address this, Rudy Mance was brought in as a costumer. He refined the wardrobe for historical accuracy, cross-referencing numerous costume changes for Pidgeon against available photographs. The costumes were designed to reflect Carolyn's public image and personal style, including details like distressed designer bags.
Public and Family Reaction
The production drew significant criticism from Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy's nephew and a congressional candidate, who objected to the series' creation without the Kennedy family's permission. Schlossberg voiced strong disapproval, publicly calling the producer a "pervert" for focusing on the couple's personal lives.
Paul Anthony Kelly responded by emphasizing the series as a "love story" that explores universal themes of falling in love. Executive producer Nina Jacobson described it as an "earnest" portrayal. Writer Connor Hines, despite anticipating backlash, expressed belief that the series' sensitive approach will ultimately be appreciated.
Series Themes and Character Portrayal
The series aims to portray Carolyn Bessette Kennedy with depth, highlighting aspects such as her humor and emotional intelligence, which were often obscured by media portrayals. John F. Kennedy Jr. is depicted as a charmer and a dilettante. The story covers their relationship, including its complexities and challenges, leading up to their deaths; it depicts a marriage attempting to find a way to work, even amidst difficulties.
The series aims to portray Carolyn Bessette Kennedy with depth, highlighting aspects such as her humor and emotional intelligence, which were often obscured by media portrayals.
Behind the Scenes: Filming and Scrutiny
During filming, both Pidgeon and Kelly experienced public scrutiny, which Pidgeon utilized to inform her performance of Carolyn's isolation and public struggle. Kelly prepared physically to match John's active persona.
A notable incident occurred when an outdoor fight scene during production was misreported as a real domestic disturbance on a public alert app. A significant 17-page scene, set entirely within the couple's loft, depicts an intense argument, highlighting their marriage struggles. This scene was produced late in the filming process, allowing the actors to draw on their accumulated experience.
Broader Context and Network Strategy
FX chairman John Landgraf stated that "Love Story" is part of FX's strategy to expand globally as a streaming brand on Disney+. Ryan Murphy's contributions are considered integral to the FX brand identity. The series aims for broad appeal, depicting a private "Camelot" that has vanished.
A Glimpse into the Finale
A scene from the finale depicts Carolyn, exhausted and sad, reflecting on her marriage counselor and past memories with John. Pidgeon's portrayal aimed to convey Carolyn's enduring charisma despite her suffering in the public eye.