JFK
Oliver Stone’s epic conspiracy movie, focussing on an investigation into the John F. Kennedy assassination, features an ensemble cast stuffed with well-known names and faces. With so many talented actors involved, it would take a lot to stand out. Tommy Lee Jones Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor speaks volumes for his performance.
Kevin Costner plays Louisiana District Attorney Jim Garrison, who launches his own investigation into the controversial event when the official investigation rules that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Jones plays Clay Shaw, who comes to the attention of Garrison due to his apparent past relationship with several witnesses involved in the case. Eventually, Shaw is charged as an accomplice, and goes to trial.
Jones’ Shaw is central to the plot, but thanks to the movies long running time, he enjoys precious little time on-screen. He makes up for this, however, with a great performance. The portrayal of homosexual Shaw is played very camp by Jones, but he manages to walk the thin line between colourful and offensive, just about reigning in his natural instinct to play it BIG.
Clay presents as a relaxed, ostentatious businessman, but a hard inner core is allowed to show at the perfect moments, a sinister edge, thanks to Jones nuanced, layered performance. A performance that resulted in an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
