Parkland (film)

Parkland poster

Parkland is a 2013 American historical drama film that recounts the chaotic events that occurred following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. The film, directed by Peter Landesman, is named after Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas, where President Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald, and J.D. Tippit were taken after being shot. The film is based on the book Four Days in November by Vincent Bugliosi.

Plot

The narrative of Parkland focuses on the immediate aftermath of President Kennedy's assassination, showcasing the perspectives of a handful of individuals who were suddenly thrust into extraordinary circumstances. These include the young doctors and nurses at Parkland Hospital, Abraham Zapruder (who filmed the infamous Zapruder film of the assassination), the FBI and Secret Service agents trying to make sense of the tragedy, and the family of Lee Harvey Oswald, caught in the storm of accusations following the assassination.

Cast

• Zac Efron as Dr. Charles "Jim" Carrico, a resident surgeon at Parkland Hospital.
• Marcia Gay Harden as Nurse Doris Nelson, head nurse in the trauma room.
• Paul Giamatti as Abraham Zapruder, the businessman who captured the assassination on his home movie camera.
• Billy Bob Thornton as Secret Service Agent Forrest Sorrels.
• Jacki Weaver as Marguerite Oswald, Lee Harvey Oswald's mother.
• James Badge Dale as Robert Oswald, Lee Harvey Oswald's brother.

Production

The film was produced by Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, and Bill Paxton, among others, under the banner of Playtone, Exclusive Media, and American Film Company. Parkland was shot on location in Austin, Dallas, and surrounding areas in Texas, aiming to achieve historical accuracy and authenticity in its depiction of the events and settings.

Reception

Upon its release, Parkland received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its ensemble cast and the compelling portrayal of lesser-known aspects of the Kennedy assassination aftermath. However, others criticized it for a perceived lack of depth and emotional engagement with the characters. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film was noted for its detailed recreation of the 1960s and the respectful handling of a sensitive historical event.

Themes

Parkland explores themes of chaos, tragedy, and the human capacity to come together in times of crisis. The film delves into the personal stories of those at the periphery of a national tragedy, highlighting the impact of the Kennedy assassination on individuals and the country as a whole.

See Also

• Assassination of John F. Kennedy
• Zapruder film
• Lee Harvey Oswald
• Parkland Memorial Hospital