A stimulating investigation into the JFK assassination

Rating: 8/10 (29 May 2010)

Oliver Stone's "JFK" examines the circumstances surrounding the 1963 assassination of U.S. president John F. Kennedy. The film follows New Orleans DA Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) as he uncovers clues that may point the way to the untold truth behind the crime.
Subtlety has never been one of Stone's strong points so I approached this film with a degree of apprehension. Luckily, the potentially sensationalistic subject matter is treated effectively by shrouding much of the speculation in mystery. In the end, "JFK" offers few answers but provokes many questions.
The cast is chock full of familiar faces in both large and small roles. Kevin Costner's the obvious star but you'll also see Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Oldman, Jack Lemmon, Sissy Spacek, Kevin Bacon, Joe Pesci, Donald Sutherland and others. Needless to say, the acting is in good hands, though Jones was the only one recognized with an Oscar nomination.
Stone's direction is fluid and the film's masterful editing deservedly took home an Oscar (as did the cinematography). The John Williams score was Oscar-nominated and, while it's no match for his best work, it is indispensable in setting the film's tone.
Lastly, I should point out that it was the director's cut that I saw and from what I know of the additions made it seems that the original cut may be even tighter on the whole. Either way, "JFK" is a fine film and not just for conspiracy theorists.