Director: Oliver Stone
Starring: Gary Oldman, Kevin Costner and Tommy Lee Jones
‘A Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved the appreciation of Gary Oldman. Ever since his rise to recognition in the 1990’s, Oldman has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s bold political leaders, commanding police officers or magical prisoners, Oldman has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Oldman’s finest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. Through his approach of method acting, Oldman has portrayed strong characters that are always compelling. A British icon, Oldman has proven to be an actor that audiences cherish. Despite reaching an age of retirement, Oldman hasn’t lost his passion for making bold entertainment. Although he‘s most known for playing Gordon in The Dark Knight trilogy, Oldman has proven he can make memorable films in every genre. Throughout his enduring career, Oldman has made many memorable films which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Oldman and admire all the movies he has made in his career. However, “JFK” is my favourite. Released in 1991, Oliver Stone‘s movie offered a beautiful tribute to a legendary American president that changed history. Packed with breathtaking production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best political dramas ever made. At the centre of it all is a terrific performance by Gary Oldman, who portrays a politician that faces tension. Ultimately, what makes “JFK” a political masterpiece is strong appeal. Unlike most movies about politicians, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A mesmerizing political masterpiece, there are several strong reasons why “JFK” is a commemorated movie worth seeing.
“JFK” tells the true story of an investigation into the murder of an iconic president which came with a price to pay. Kevin Costner plays Jim Garrison, a district attorney with a strong desire to discover political history. Garrison is a dedicated politician that has always excelled at conducting investigations of presidents in history. However, Garrison’s life changes when he is assigned to investigate the death of the renowned politician John F. Kennedy. Assisted by his companion Lee Harvey (Gary Oldman), Garrison embarks on a journey to investigate the death of a president in American history. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Garrison soon begins to wonder whether it is possible to investigate the murder of an iconic political figure. Facing a dilemma, Garrison is forced to question if he can resolve mystery of a president in America.
Oliver Stone has always been fascinated with stories of politicians which are well-known. A fantastic filmmaker, Stone has often created engaging films about political leaders facing disaster. His iconic film “Born on the Fourth of July” honoured the true story of an anti-war activist in history. With “JFK”, however, Stone made his first ever political biopic. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the real-life investigation into the assassination of an American president in history, but he pulled it off effectively. Using stunning cinematography, Stone captures a real-life investigation into an American president’s death. Evoking Richard Attenborough’s “Gandhi”, Stone expertly uses archival footage to celebrate the legacy of an American president. For instance, the archival footage enhances the political investigations scene. During this intense scene, Jim seeks to investigate the death of JFK using documents. Through captivating archival footage, Stone honours a president’s legacy. Archival footage is a tricky technique to use in most movies. As Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” claimed, archival footage enhances commemorated historical biopics about bomb inventors. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through captivating visuals, Stone honours the legacy of a commemorated president that’s inspiring.
Another admirable aspect of “JFK” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Stone effectively employs production design to capture the lives of presidents experiencing a decline. Stone’s decision to shoot the movie in the White House is risky but it pays off deftly. For instance, the White House setting elevates the death investigation scene. During this bold scene, Jim has a business meeting with fellow politicians following JFK’s death. Through the use of White House locations, Stone creates a political drama that’s engaging. Furthermore, the musical score is marvellous. John Williams’ score is key to success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing burden which politicians bear. Through breathtaking production, Stone celebrates the legacy of a legendary politician.
Storytelling is one of the primary reasons why “JFK” is a political drama which is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses non-linear storytelling to capture tension politicians are facing. The film deftly switches back and forth between two distinct timelines: flashbacks of JFK’s death and the present-day scenes of the investigation. For instance, the non-linear storytelling enhances the political investigation scene. During this unforgettable scene, Jim seeks to conclude his investigation through having a business meeting. Through non-linear storytelling, Stone creates a strong portrait of politicians that audiences relate to. Non-linear storytelling is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins” demonstrated, non-linear storytelling elevates comic-book movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Through a strong screenplay, Stone celebrated the long-lasting legacy of JFK.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Gary Oldman delivers one of his best career performances as Lee Harvey. Oldman earned appreciation for playing police commissioners in comic-book movies. With “JFK “, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a renowned politician which changed American history, but he succeeded. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him in the past before: intense, charismatic and serious in his most iconic role. Oldman often thrives at playing emotional heroes under pressure, and “JFK” showcased his best strength as an actor. With strong expressions, he captures angst, grief and resentments of a politician seeking to conduct investigation. It’s a bold performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Kevin Costner, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciations. Kevin Costner is captivating, capturing authoritative nature of a politician seeking to investigate a murder. Tommy Lee Jones is terrific, bringing out the charismatic personality of a politician seeking to transform American history. Lastly, Donald Sutherland merits appreciation. As a politician, he proves the legendary actor that he once was before he passed away.
Finally, “JFK” would earn the appreciation of everyone for celebrating a politician which is celebrated today. Unlike most movies about political leaders, the movie tackles powerful themes everyone would relate to. It discusses powerful themes including identity, mental health and politics which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with American history to appreciate it. The movie delivers a profound message about assassination that would definitely resonate with everyone. Therefore, “JFK” is one of those rare political dramas which everyone would adore.
Fans of Gary Oldman will definitely appreciate “JFK” and so will movie-goers seeking intense entertainment. A breathtaking political biopic, it honours an actor that is iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking political movie about the assassination of JFK that changed America in a huge way, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated British actor that has earned fame for his ability to portray compelling characters in memorable movies which are beloved today.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 