The assassination of John F. Kennedy has spawned an entire
subculture dedicated to examining every detail of the tragic event. Was it the
work of a lone gunman or was it a vast conspiracy involving Lyndon B. Johnson,
the CIA, the military-industrial complex, the Russians, and organized crime
figures? Countless books and films have sprung up over the years speculating on
just that with Oliver Stone's "JFK" being one of the more notable.
Millennium Entertainment's Parkland isn't interested in conspiracy theories or facets that
have been picked apart ad nauseum. This is an ensemble piece that wishes to
tell the story of the little people whose lives were forever affected by JFK's
assassination, just as the entire country was. Released to coincide with the 50th
anniversary of Kennedy's death, Parkland
was written and directed by first-timer Peter Landesman, a former journalist
who based the screenplay on the book, Reclaiming
History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy by Vincent Bugliosi,
a district attorney best known for prosecuting Charles Manson.
Clothing manufacturer Abraham Zapruder (Paul Giamatti)
excitedly arrives at Dealy Plaza with his 8mm Bell & Howell camera in the
hopes of capturing the President's motorcade as it passed by. Instead, Zapruder
unwittingly filmed the most infamous home movie ever made, clear footage of JFK's shooting.
Dr. Charles Carrico (Zac Efron), a young resident at Parkland Memorial
Hospital, is the first physician to treat Kennedy when he is rushed into the
emergency room. As medical personnel scramble in a blood soaked ER, a dazed
Jackie Kennedy (Kat Steffens) hands a veteran nurse (Marcia Gay Harden)
fragments of her husband's skull. Robert Oswald (James Badge Dale) is left in
shock when he learns his younger brother (Jeremy Strong) is responsible for
killing the president. Gordon Shanklin (David Harbour), head of the FBI's
Dallas field office, berates James Hosty (Ron Livingston), upon learning that
they had been investigating Lee Harvey Oswald, including receiving a
threatening letter from Oswald. Roy Kellerman (Tom Welling from
"Smallville") and other agents assigned to the President's detail are
burdened by the belief they have failed in their duty.
While major players like LBJ and Jackie Kennedy are present
in Parkland, the focus is clearly on
the individuals who would otherwise be considered historical footnotes.
Zapruder is haunted by the images he has seen and has his faith in the American
dream shaken. Robert Oswald faces an uncertain future knowing his family will
become pariahs for what his brother has done.
Landesman also broaches topics that one normally wouldn't think of.
Members of Kennedy's staff remove seats from the cabin of Air Force One in
order to accommodate his casket. Zapruder and Forrest Sorrels (Billy Bob
Thornton), a Secret Service agent assigned to Kennedy's detachment, struggle to
find a photo lab to develop the 8mm film, a relatively new process in the 60's.
No church or cemetery is willing to accept Lee Harvey Oswald's remains. During
the funeral, Robert must rely on paparazzi to serve as pallbearers.
Tom Hanks served as one of the producers for Parkland and it's disappointing he
didn't take a Band of Brothers
approach to the subject matter. Zapruder and Robert Oswald are interesting
enough to support their own films. A medical drama revolving around the
Parkland staff as they treat Kennedy and Oswald would also be extremely
compelling. At less than 90 minutes, Parkland
barely scratches the surface and squanders an amazing cast. Despite turning in
strong performances, Marcia Gay Harden, Mark Duplass (as Kennedy aide Ken
O'Donnell), and Jackie Earle Haley (as the priest who delivers last rites)
appear in glorified cameos. James Badge Dale, who has quickly become one of
Hollywood's most reliable character actors, brings a sense of pathos to his
role that is almost undermined by Jacki Weaver's over-the-top performance as
overbearing mother, Marguerite, steadfast in her belief that her younger son
was a secret agent for the U.S. government.
Landesman employs a documentary style akin to Paul
Greengrass, minus the headache inducing shaky cam. Not surprising that Barry
Ackroyd, who also shot United 93, Green Zone, and Captain Phillips, served as cinematographer. The result allows the
audience to feel like a fly on the wall while maintaining tension throughout
the short runtime.
Parkland finds a
fresh perspective on a significant moment in history, but still feels like a
missed opportunity. The movie is blessed with a wealth of talented actors and
intriguing characters, yet never gives them enough time to shine. Still, it
earns a mild recommendation solely on star power.
Rating: **½ (*****)
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