Watch JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass

JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass is a profound, thought-provoking documentary that reexamines one of the most controversial and impactful events in American history—the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Directed by the renowned filmmaker Oliver Stone, whose 1991 film "JFK" stirred a significant amount of public interest and skepticism about the official accounts of the assassination, this 2021 documentary serves as both a spiritual sequel and a sober reassessment of the case in light of newly available information.

The film stars John F. Kennedy, not in a traditional acting role but through archival footage that brings the charismatic and enigmatic president back to life for a new generation. Stone uses this footage to remind viewers of Kennedy's influence and significance, capturing the hope and vision that he inspired in the American public as well as his pivotal role in the turbulent political climate of the 1960s. The documentary also features interviews and analysis from experts, including Dr. David Mantik, a medical doctor with expertise in the forensic study of JFK's autopsy. Their insights contribute to the film's detailed deconstruction of the Kennedy assassination.

Stone utilizes his unmatched storytelling skills to guide audiences on a journey back to Dealey Plaza on that fateful day in November 1963. However, he doesn't stop at merely recounting the event. With the aid of modern technology and access to classified documents released by the US government following the JFK Records Act—which was influenced, in part, by Stone's original film—the director delves into the layers of mystery that have shrouded the truth for decades.

The film meticulously dissects the Warren Commission's report, which concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating JFK. Stone presents forensic evidence, eyewitness testimonies, and expert opinions that cast doubt on the Commission's findings. This includes analyses of the famous Zapruder film, ballistics, and audio recordings from the day of the assassination, as well as a review of Oswald's enigmatic actions and purported motives. Through these examinations, JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass raises questions about the possibility of conspiracy and suggests that the true circumstances surrounding Kennedy's death may not have been as straightforward as the official narrative suggests.

Throughout JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass, Stone maintains a tone of journalistic inquiry mixed with a sense of urgency and gravity. He highlights the implications of the event not just on immediate national policy but also on the broader historical trajectory, suggesting that the assassination, and subsequent cover-up, may have had a profound effect on American politics, foreign policy, and society as a whole. The documentary conveys a sense of lost potential and the deep-seated need for closure and truth among the American public.

What sets this documentary apart from other works on the Kennedy assassination is its focus on what has been learned since the initial investigation. The film isn't just recounting old theories or grievances but rather applying fresh scrutiny to long-standing doubts. It challenges institutional narratives, calling for transparency and accountability in the face of secrecy and resistance from intelligence and governmental agencies.

Through its methodical layout, JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass paints an intricate picture of conspiracy, power, and secrecy that extends beyond the life and death of John F. Kennedy. It suggests a labyrinth of interests and actors that may have influenced the events leading up to and following the assassination. Stone puts forward the notion that understanding the assassination of JFK is crucial for grasping the complexities of American democracy and the shadowy workings of power within the state.

In sum, JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass is an ambitious and profound documentary that seeks to shed new light on an old mystery. It situates the assassination in both its historical context and its lasting impact on American society. The film is a must-watch for history buffs, conspiracy theorists, and anyone interested in the pursuit of truth and the quest to understand one of the most enigmatic events of the 20th century. Oliver Stone invites viewers to look beyond the official narrative, to question, and to think critically about one of the most studied and debated moments in contemporary history, ultimately leaving the audience to ponder the significance and consequences of seeking the truth in a complex and often deceptive world.

JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 55.