Review of JFK (1991) by James G — 09 Mar 2014

When I was 13, this movie changed me. It changed me profoundly. I had never ever questioned the people in charge of everything, beyond the usual Jr High rebellion. I finally had a class assignment that I was excited about, a research paper on the assassination of JFK.

Thus began my lifelong love of anything John F. Kennedy. I've read both Jim Garrison's 'On The Trail Of The Assassins' and Jim Marrs' 'Crossfire The Plot That Killed Kennedy', the books Oliver Stone's JFK is based as well as many other books and articles on the last President assassinated.

I have come to the conclusion that there was more to his murder than Lee Harvey Oswald getting off three remarkable shots within 6 seconds. Without getting too deep into my theory, I 100% believe the mob was involved and 100% believe Lyndon Johnson was not.

Maybe smaller levels of government were involved but not the reaches Oliver Stone and Jim Garrison believed. Biggest proof mob was involved: 1) helped with unions to get Kennedy elected. 2) The Kennedy's went after mob once they were in office.

Especially Bobby. 3) Patsy(Oswald) was killed by a low level mob enforcer, Jack Ruby. 4) Bobby was killed 5 years later. Now to the movie. At a brisk 191min(Director's Cut), JFK is an exciting, thought provoking and well acted piece of celluloid.

This is one of the movies that inspired 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon because anyone who was anyone in 1991 was in this movie. Sissy Spacek and Michael Rooker are standouts among a standout ensemble, but this Kevin Costner's movie and he kills it.

The final courtroom scene is one of the finest of its kind to date. 'I say let justice prevail or the heavens fall", Jim Garrison exclaims as he ascends the steps. Unfortunately Jim, this is America, Justice prevails when you can afford it.

We may never know the whole story but at least we have entertaining movies like this to help pique our interest, open our eyes and make us think for ourselves.