JFK

JFK

Year: 1991

Runtime: 189 min

Language: English

Director: Oliver Stone

BiographyDramaHistoryMysteryThrillerCrime

In Oliver Stone's gripping drama, a determined DA Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) delves into the truth behind President John F. Kennedy's assassination, defying government obstruction and conventional wisdom. As Garrison uncovers disturbing hints of a wider conspiracy, he becomes obsessed with revealing the truth, risking everything to expose the dark forces that silenced Camelot forever.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen JFK yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – JFK (1991)
Explore the full timeline and setting of JFK (1991). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1961-1969

The film spans a tumultuous period in American history, encompassing the latter years of John F. Kennedy's presidency through to the investigation of his assassination. This era was marked by significant political and social upheaval, including the Cold War tensions and civil rights movements.

Location

New Orleans, Dallas

New Orleans serves as a pivotal location where the investigation into JFK's assassination unfolds, marked by its vibrant culture and historical significance. Meanwhile, Dallas is infamous for being the site of the assassination itself, forever linked to this tragic event in American history.

🏙️ City 🔫 Assassination

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:36

Main Characters – JFK (1991)
Meet the key characters of JFK (1991), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner)

Jim Garrison is a determined and principled New Orleans District Attorney who becomes the unlikely hero of the investigation into JFK's assassination. His obsession with uncovering the truth leads him to confront powerful adversaries and navigate a maze of conspiracy, while facing personal and professional challenges.

🕵️‍♂️ Investigator 🎖️ Hero

David Ferrie (Joe Pesci)

David Ferrie is a pivotal figure in Garrison's investigation, characterized by his complex ties to the conspiracies surrounding the assassination. His enigmatic nature and controversial background make him a key suspect, reflecting the murky waters of the case.

🕴️ Pilot 💼 Suspect

Lee Harvey Oswald (Gary Oldman)

Lee Harvey Oswald is portrayed as the enigmatic accused assassin, whose life is intertwined with the larger conspiracy narrative. His tragic arc and untimely death complicate the investigation, raising questions about his actual involvement and the forces working against him.

🔫 Assassin 😔 Tragic Figure

Clay Shaw (Tommy Lee Jones)

Clay Shaw is a wealthy businessman whose alleged connections to the assassination make him a target in Garrison’s investigation. His charismatic yet elusive demeanor presents a facade that contrasts with the underlying suspicions surrounding him.

💼 Businessman 🕵️‍♂️ Conspiracy

Liz Garrison (Sissy Spacek)

Liz Garrison is Jim Garrison's supportive yet increasingly strained wife, who feels the weight of her husband's obsession with the assassination. Her character highlights the personal costs associated with Garrison's pursuit of the truth, serving as a grounding element amid the chaos.

❤️ Supportive 😞 Strained Marriage

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:36

Major Themes – JFK (1991)
Explore the central themes of JFK (1991), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Conspiracy

The theme of conspiracy is central to the narrative, exploring the covert connections and affiliations among powerful entities that may have influenced JFK's assassination. Garrison's relentless quest for truth underscores the hidden agendas at play and raises questions about governmental transparency.

💔 Justice

The pursuit of justice drives Jim Garrison's character, highlighting the struggle against systemic corruption and the obstacles faced in uncovering the truth. His personal sacrifices, including the strain on his marriage, emphasize the emotional toll of chasing justice in the face of adversity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:36