Killing Kennedy

Killing Kennedy is a compelling 2013 American historical thriller television film, directed by Nelson McCormick and based on Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard's 2012 non-fiction book of the same name. Stellar performances by Rob Lowe, Will Rothhaar, Jack Noseworthy accompanied by Ginnifer Goodwin and Michelle Trachtenberg command attention in this National Geographic adaptation delving into US history the 1960s.

At the heart of the film lies an ensemble of memorable characters. Rob Lowe emerges with great aplomb playing John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, while Will Rothhaar assumes the role of Lee Harvey Oswald, his infamous assassin. Jack Noseworthy plays Bobby Kennedy, whose resilient character not only supports his brother John F. Kennedy in his presidency but must also grapple with the aftermath of his assassination. Ginnifer Goodwin brings to life the role of Jacqueline Kennedy with poignant realism, while Michelle Trachtenberg portrays the enigmatic and conflicted Marina Oswald.

Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Cold War era, Killing Kennedy juxtaposes John F. Kennedy’s path to the Presidency with Lee Harvey Oswald’s trajectory towards becoming his assassin. The movie intertwines these two life paths and unfurls parallel narratives, exploring their lives, loves, struggles, and ideologies, culminating in a climax that distinctly marked American history.

Beginning with Kennedy's presidential campaign in 1960, the film constructs a progressive journey of his ascension to the presidency. The personal dynamics within the Kennedy family, the challenges faced by Kennedy during his presidency, including the Bay of Pigs fiasco and the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the nuances of his relationships are all explored. Rob Lowe's nuanced portrayal of Kennedy's charismatic persona and his efforts to navigate a path of peace through the chaos of the Cold War contribute to one of the film’s many strengths.

Meanwhile, the movie spells out Lee Harvey Oswald's unsettling journey from being a former U.S. Marine to a disillusioned defector living briefly in the Soviet Union, and ultimately to his return to the United States. Oswald's fraught relationship with his Russian wife Marina, his ideological struggles, and his descent into secretive and subversive activities are meticulously detailed. Will Rothhaar brings a disturbing realism to his portrayal of Oswald, adding depth to the troubled and complex character.

Interspersed among scenes of political machinations and covert conspiracies are the intimate moments of JFK and Jackie’s troughs and crests of their personal relationship. Ginnifer Goodwin impeccably exudes a vulnerability that is at once hushed, yet radiates through the screen, encapsulating the delicate humanity amidst the theatrics of power.

On the Oswald front, Michelle Trachtenberg's performance illustrates the character's turbulent experience. She poignantly portrays Marina’s confused loyalties and fear-driven repression, reflecting the personal cost of Oswald's actions. Her portrayal amplifies the shadows that lurk in the corners of Oswald's life.

The film isn't simply an exploration of dark corners of American history. It is an in-depth character study of two men who seemingly exist poles apart, yet whose destinies are destined to collide in a way that would send shockwaves across the world. It maps out the respective pathways of two lives, meticulously crafting their parallel narratives in a way that is steeped in a contemplation of fate and choice.

Director Nelson McCormick utilizes a storytelling approach that maintains suspense and intrigue, despite its historical nature. He diligently captures the essence of the era and, with the help of an excellent script, ensures an immersive viewing experience.

Performances across the board, be it Lowe's charm as Kennedy or Rothhaar's portrayal of the troubled Oswald, enhance the narrative and add nuances to the tale. The supporting cast, led by Noseworthy’s sensitive portrayal of Bobby Kennedy, strengthens the film’s connective tissue, drawing viewers closer to the unfolding drama.

Killing Kennedy shines a new light on a well-told story, weeding its way through historical events with a fresh perspective - an exploration that is both thought-provoking and engaging to watch. The film takes viewers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions, proving to be more than just an account of a shocking chapter in American history. It is a complex tapestry of personal struggles, political intrigues, and an unstinting examination of one of the most infamous events of the twentieth century.