Executive Action

Executive Action is a thought-provoking and engrossing political thriller film released in 1973. Renowned director David Miller helms this movie, which stars Hollywood legends Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan, and Will Geer. The film, sourced from the screenplay penned by Dalton Trumbo and Mark Lane, weaves a fictional tale around historic events, making it a draw for both history enthusiasts and movie buffs.

The narrative revolves around the controversial event of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. The film doesn't merely reproduce the events leading to this unfortunate incident but unravels a speculative fiction rife with conspiracy theories. Still, it doesn't directly accuse or give a definitive conclusion about the convoluted assassination plot, leaving it up to the audience to decipher truth amidst an array of presented possibilities.

Burt Lancaster plays James Farrington, a mysterious and powerful industry tycoon. He is convincing and compelling, deftly portraying a man who uses his immense influence and resources to manipulate events according to a certain agenda. The grandeur and intensity of Lancaster's performance are indeed a highlight of Executive Action.

Robert Ryan plays Robert Foster, another influential business magnate and a primary player in the plot. Ryan perfectly portrays his character's complex nature, unraveling layers of cunningness and ruthlessness fascinatingly. The chemistry between these powerful men, played by Lancaster and Ryan, sets an intense, suspenseful, and fascinating dynamic throughout the film.

Will Geer gives an impressive performance as Harold Ferguson, an expert marksman and a critical piece in the grand plot. His sharpness and precision in the role add a thrill to the intricate storyline. Undeniably, the performances by the trio are driving forces of the film, each playing his part with the mastery required for the intense and dramatic plot that unfolds.

The atmosphere of Executive Action is kept tense and thrilling, courtesy of the director and his team. David Miller manages to juggle elements with a thrilling blend of historical reconstruction and dramatized conspiracies, efficiently combining facts and inventive theories without invalidating history. It's a docudrama style movie with an engaging pace that doesn't slack even for a moment.

The script faced some controversy due to its explosive content, intertwining fact with fiction. Yet Dalton Trumbo and Mark Lane handle the delicate subject matter with finesse, crafting a screenplay that manages to keep audiences engrossed while inciting intriguing debates on the theory it puts forth. The impression it leaves is more contemplative rather than declarative, enticing audiences into re-evaluating their understandings of the fateful event.

The film cleverly explores the fear and paranoia of the time, with the atmosphere of uncertainty and suspicion infecting each frame. Yet, it is not all bleak. There are moments of exhilarity that break the tension, giving viewers brief respite before diving back into the suspenseful uncertainty.

The cinematography of Executive Action deserves special mention. The film, often seen in the vein of cinéma vérité, appears almost like a sophisticated version of the home movies, adding an element of gritty realism that intensifies the conspiratorial atmosphere. The camera work and editing further contribute to the suspense and anticipation, weaving an intriguing visual puzzle that keeps viewers glued to the edge of their seats.

The palpitating low-key yet powerful music in the background sets the mood of the movie by enhancing the overall tension and unpredictability in the storyline. From silent suspenseful scenes to moments of theatrical revelation, the music echoes the sentiments that the plot embodies.

As the movie progresses, maker David Miller keeps the plot escalating, gradually intensifying the uncertainty and suspense. The climax leaves viewers grasping for breath, with the plot's intricacies unraveling in an eloquent yet nerve-wracking fashion.

To sum it up, Executive Action is a thoughtfully constructed and excellently performed movie that takes a profound dive into one of America's most controversial historical events. A blend of ingenious direction, impactful performances, and suspenseful story-telling, the movie stands as a testament to the potential of political thrillers. It invites viewers into a journey of speculation, suspicion, and suspense, leaving them at the end with more questions than answers, making the movie a captivating and memorable experience. It's not just a film, but a conversational piece that is sure to be discussed long after the credits have rolled.