Kevin Costner headlined an all-star cast in Oliver Stone’s JFK.
Even beforeJFKarrived in theaters it was being pilloried and attacked by many in the media.
Clearly its no exaggeration to suggest Stones movie is a highly evocative piece of cinema.
Its something he has always worn with a badge of honor and made no attempts to water down.
Platoonis understandably seen as Stones most personal work, given its direct link to his own tour of duty.
However, Id argue thatJFKis a very close second.
The assassination of John F. Kennedy was a pivotal moment in the life of the young director.
In the production notes forJFKStone stated:
Kennedy to me was like the Godfather of my generation.
He was a very important figure, a leader, a prince in a sense.
And his murder marked the end of a dream.
The end of a concept of idealism I associated with my youth.
Most crucially though, Stones movie is not there to act as a source of historical evidence.
Perhaps it should be seen therefore as a means of provoking debate and encouraging discussion more than anything else.
How the American people suspect there was more to it than was ever revealed.
How we suspect Oswald did not act entirely alone.
On that level, it is completely factual.
It comes down to personal taste however as to whether or not you feel this argument is correct.
That, however, is a debate for another time.
Treated purely as a piece of drama,JFKis a mesmerizing blend of styles and formats.
Its compelling and passionate cinema that whips you up and demands your attention.
From the very outset its easy to see whyJFKwon Academy Awards for both Cinematography and Editing.
Key concepts and themes are now lodged in our minds.
It marks a sudden shift that sees the montages pace and intensity increase once more.
The music shifts from a brisk military drum roll to a far more menacing and tense piece.
This whole sequence runs just shy of seven minutes.
In those seven minutes a huge amount of information is relayed to us.
The films cinematography is also a joy to watch and more than worthy of its Oscar win.
Theres an undeniable thrill to be found in any case being unravelled before your eyes in a film.
Its seeing how the pieces fit together that makes the film so fascinating.
Even John Candy and Walter Matthau, who both only have very brief cameos, are scintillating to watch.
Spacek is wonderful as Jims loving and patient wife Liz.
Equally though she also acts as a necessary air of doubt over Garrisons pursuit of Shaw.
She voices her concerns and puts forward the counter point of view.
However Spacek still slips under the radar somewhat and her graceful and subtle performance shouldnt be ignored.
However his hot-tempered and frustrated assistant DA provides a perfect pivot to Garrisons calm and convinced boss.
Where Garrison sees conspiracy and pieces falling in to place, Broussard sees only far-fetched reaching.
At the center of the movie, though, is Kevin Costner.
However, for the role as written by Stone, Costner was perfect.
Few people would argue that Costner is one of the all-time greats in terms of pure natural acting ability.
He is also here channelling Stone himself, vocalizing his directors plea to encourage debate, and encourage questions.
Nothing as long as you live will ever be more important.
Its up to you.
Its this courtroom scene that makes up a huge chunk of the films final third.
However Stone utilizes it to powerful effect for aid Garrison in getting his points across.
The audible gasps in the courtroom as the fatal headshot hits the President are understandable.
Its a powerful experience to see the real life murder caught on camera so vividly.
Its the seeds of doubt he planted and the broader idea he put forward that matters.
As he walks off with his family, head held high, what matters is that he tried.
JFKhad a lasting impact far beyond any judgement over its cinematic quality.
It sets out to capture a mood and a sensibility and does so perfectly.
Dont take my word for it, dont believe me.
Do your own work, your own thinking.
