JFK (1991)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film: 189 Minutes (Directors Cut: 206 Minutes)

Rated: R

Genre: Drama, History, Thriller

Director: Oliver Stone

Starring: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Kevin Bacon, Tommy Lee Jones, Laurie Metcalf, Micheal Rooker, Jay O. Sanders, Joe Pesci, Jack Lemmon, Donald Sutherland.

IMDB Rank: 8/10

Part 1 Time: 121 Minutes (Directors Cut: 128 Minutes)

Part 2 Time: 68 Minutes (Directors Cut: 78 Minutes)

Where does the first part end?  Clay Shaw is arrested at his home for the conspiring to kill President John F. Kennedy. He is fingerprinted and booked at the local jail.

Final line of dialogue on the first part:  “Clay Vegal” Clay Shaw states his name after being booked at jail.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Mr. Clark, are you aware of the charges filed by District Attorney Garrison?” Reporter to a government official about the events surrounding the Clay Shaw’s arrest and upcoming trial.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, the conversation between Jim Garrison and X (the scene prior to Clay Shaw’s arrest) provides context as to why various groups within the United States government wanted President Kennedy eliminated. There is a lot of information given to the audience that is shocking dense. Not to mention the District Attorney has another suspect in custody for conspiring to kill the president. Will Clay Shaw be found guilty or be aquitted?

Which part is better? Although part one has many notable appearances by top notch actors and the exploration of various conspiracy theories related to the 1963 Assassination of President Kennedy. Part two is better due to the trail of Clay Shaw and the District Attorney’s ability to present a case that has little hard evidence, but sounds so believable.

Academy Awards: Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Picture (Nominated), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated-Tommy Lee Jones), Best Director (Nominated), Best Writing- Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (Nominated), Best Sound (Nominated), Best Music-Original Score (Nominated).