Ethel (HBO)

About Ethel (HBO)

"Ethel" is a compelling documentary released in 2012 on HBO. The film is about the life of Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Robert F. Kennedy. Directed by her daughter, Rory Kennedy, the documentary offers a unique, intimate perspective on Ethel's life, revealing her resilience and dedication to her family and her country despite facing significant personal loss and turmoil.

Making / Production

The documentary is a result of Rory Kennedy's profound exploration of her mother's life. It is a combination of personal stories from Kennedy family members and archival footage, some of which had never been made public before, providing an unprecedented depth to the exploration of Ethel Kennedy's life and the complex history of the Kennedy family.

Actors

• Ethel Kennedy - Herself. She offered frank and detailed account of her life, bringing great authenticity to the documentary.
• Rory Kennedy - The interviewer and narrator. As the daughter of Ethel, she was able to establish deep emotional connections during the interviews, providing valuable insight.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Ethel was Robert Kennedy's widow and the mother of eleven children, her family was a significant part of the documentary.
• The archival footage included significant historical events like Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassinations of JFK and RFK, and numerous family events.

Awards

"Ethel" was nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.

Quotes

• "We were glued together, and there was no place he could go that I didn't go with him.” - Ethel Kennedy speaking about her husband, Robert F. Kennedy
• "I think the most important thing I learned from my family was to broaden my concerns to those less fortunate." - Rory Kennedy

Music, Soundtrack

• The documentary features a score by renowned film composer Miriam Cutler. The music is deeply atmospheric and moving, perfectly complementing the profound emotional depth of the film.