One of the Best Political Dramas Ever

Rating: 10/10 (6 February 2009)

One of the things that I truly appreciate about the film is the boldness with which the director has gone ahead & depicted what he wanted to. After all, the film hints at Kennedy's assassination being carried out by orders from the highest level of bureaucracy. I can imagine the kind of controversy the film would have been subject to after its release.
Kevin Costner plays Jim Garrison, a New Orleans District Attorney who is convinced that there is a big conspiracy around President Kennedy's assassination. He along with his team start gathering evidence to prove it. In their quest for reality, they come across several startling facts about the American Defense Establishment & the political backing that it gets. Things get heady when, Garrison's investigation is out in the media. Those involved in the conspiracy try & tarnish Garrison's reputation so that his investigation loses credibility. Not to be bogged down by his detractors, Garrison works day in & day out to prepare a strong case to prove conspiracy. The climax is marked by a riveting courtroom drama where Garrison convinces everybody that there was indeed a conspiracy to assassin President Kennedy.
Now, the thing that I like the most about this film is that none of the characters have concealed identity. Everything is out in the open. Right from Clay Shaw (Tommy Lee Jones) being gay to David Ferrie (Joe Pesci) being involved in the Cuban War.Perhaps the most riveting scene in the film is that involving a former general & Garrison where the general gives him the insight that rather than 'who' assassinated the President, it is much more important to know 'why' he was assassinated.
Costner carries out his role with panache & is truly at his best when he arouses emotions in the climax. Joe Pesci is quiet convincing & kudos to Tommy Lee Jones for carrying off the controversial role with such audacity.
Its a 10/10 & a must watch for all those who like political dramas despite its 3 hours running length.