No Matter What You Believe About the Conspiracy, a Brilliantly Made Film

Rating: Null/10 (21 November 2013)

JFK (1991)
**** (out of 4)
Is there really a need to go into the plot? Oliver Stone's film still manages to stir up all sorts of controversy. I first saw this movie when I was just eleven and I still remember every single minute that my friends and I had inside that theater. I had never quite seen anything like this movie and even though Stone would use this style in future films (like NATURAL BORN KILLERS) there's still no question that he created something quite powerful here. I really don't care what side of the decade you're on, this film will at least get some sort of emotion out of you.
Watching the film again on its theatrical re-released, I must admit that it has held up quite well and it's pretty amazing that Stone is able to take this rather confusing story without countless plots and characters and maintain your focus throughout its long running time and make it to where you can understand everything going on. In a recent interview Stone said having such an all-star cast helped the film so much because you know the actors so you can believe what they're telling you or what Stone is trying to sell. This is certainly true because it's rather amazing how many terrific actors are in this thing and its even more special today considering how many of them are no longer with us. The cast is without question exceptional and this is especially true for Kevin Costner who turns in a terrific performance as Jim Garrison, the New Orleans D.A. who decides to bring up charges in the Kennedy assassination. Tommy Lee Jones and Joe Pesci are especially memorable in their roles as are Gary Oldman, Kevin Bacon, John Candy and Sissy Spacek. Michael Rooker is another one who stands out and how about that long speech that Donald Sutherland must give? Then you have vets like Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon. Flawless casting all around.
The screenplay obviously wants to sell its opinion that there were many conspiracies around the Kennedy assassination. I can't say I believe everything that's being sold here but it does make for an interesting jumping off point in regards to debating what really happened. The way Stone uses black and white footage for the flashbacks was quite terrific and then you have the brilliant score from John Williams that really hammers home the best moments of the film. The final act takes place inside the courtroom and these moments are among the most chilling that you're ever going to see. This is also where the editing is so important as Costner's character tries to sell the conspiracy theory. I know its impossible to bring this movie up without all sorts of controversy but I've never thought that was a bad thing as long as it could lead to an interesting debate. There's no question that Stone had a mission with this movie and he completely succeeded with one of the best of the decade.