Roses Have Thoughts

Oliver Stone’s JFK (1991) is a daring cinematic feat, a sprawling thriller that unpacks the mystery surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Stone crafts a dense, politically charged narrative that engages, even overwhelms, the audience with its web of conspiracy theories and unanswered questions. At nearly three hours long, JFK immerses viewers in an intense exploration of one of America’s most shocking moments, deftly balancing historical detail with Stone’s own bold artistic license.

The film follows New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison, played with dogged intensity by Kevin Costner, who becomes convinced that Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone in the assassination of President Kennedy. Costner’s Garrison is tireless and unyielding, often at personal cost, and he brings a grounded conviction to the role. Costner’s portrayal anchors the audience in Garrison’s determination, making his gradual descent into the convoluted rabbit hole of intrigue both compelling and sympathetic.

Stone’s direction, frenetic and relentless, leaves no stone unturned in questioning the official account of the assassination. He weaves real footage, dramatizations, and hypothetical scenarios to present a labyrinth of possible motives and hidden players. The cinematography by Robert Richardson, bathed in sharp shadows and stark contrasts, creates an atmosphere of paranoia and secrecy that haunts the film’s every frame. Each scene feels deliberately layered, with visual and narrative cues guiding the audience to both the overt and subtle suspicions in the case.

What JFK does exceptionally well is pull audiences into the era’s turbulent political landscape, making use of a tremendous ensemble cast that includes Gary Oldman as a haunted Lee Harvey Oswald, Joe Pesci as David Ferrie, and Tommy Lee Jones as the enigmatic Clay Shaw. Each actor injects their character with an air of ambiguity, leaving audiences questioning their involvement, complicit or not, in the tragedy.

However, JFK is not without controversy or flaws. Critics have noted its heavy reliance on unproven conspiracy theories, and Stone’s liberal adaptation of events has led to understandable pushback. Yet, the film’s provocative nature is also its power, sparking interest, debate, and further inquiry into the mystery surrounding the assassination.

With JFK, Stone achieves a rare feat: a film that not only entertains but forces its viewers to grapple with the unsettling notion that history may not always tell the whole truth. For those drawn to political thrillers, it’s a must-see exploration of one of America’s darkest chapters, executed with gripping artistry.

IMDB