Legality of Making Movies About JFK Assassination and Jackie Kennedy

Understanding the Legal Aspects of Movie-Making
Making movies about historical events, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, is not illegal. This creative freedom is largely supported by the public domain nature of historical subjects. However, legality is not the only concern; raising funds for production and avoiding plagiarism are equally critical. While there are no legal barriers, production companies and filmmakers must navigate these challenges to ensure their projects are both effective and compliant with ethical standards.

Historical Events in Modern Cinema

Cinema has a rich history of utilizing real-life events, including the assassination of JFK, as plot devices. For instance, in the X-Men: Days of Future Past, Magneto is portrayed as the assassin, altering the future timeline significantly. In Red Dwarf, our heroes travel back in time, mistakenly killing Lee Harvey Oswald before he could assassinate JFK, leading to radical changes in history. Similarly, Lexx: Stan Down features a parody of the JFK assassination, where the first lady of the fictional president is shot.

These examples illustrate that while creative liberties can be taken with historical events, the core events and figures remain factual. These fictional depictions often add layers of social commentary and entertain viewers with engaging narratives.

Legal Considerations and Public Domain

The primary consideration in making movies about historical subjects is the legal status of the information. In most cases, historical events are in the public domain, meaning they can be freely depicted without copyright restrictions. The only exception is when a filmmaker incorporates someone else’s original theory or research without permission, which can lead to plagiarism. For instance, a film based on a unique theory about the JFK assassination would require the author’s permission to avoid legal issues.

Historical subjects, such as the JFK assassination, are subject to legal scrutiny and public interest. However, historical events themselves are not copyrightable, making them fair game for filmmakers to explore. This is exemplified by Oliver Stone’s film JFK, which was released in the early 1990s and is widely regarded as a seminal work in the genre.

Oliver Stone’s JFK and Legal Precedent

Oliver Stone’s 1991 film JFK drew significant public attention due to its controversial theories about the assassination. The film was based on Jim Garrison’s book, “On the Trail of the Assassins,” which detailed the prosecution of businessman Clay Shaw. Shaw was acquitted and, in the filmmaker’s opinion, properly so. Stone’s theories about a military-industrial complex plot to remove JFK from power were not widely accepted by the broader public, although they added depth to the historical narrative.

Stone’s film did not claim to be a documentary but was presented as a fictionalized piece of historical drama. The legal and ethical implications of such films are ongoing, with discussions about the role of filmmakers in shaping public perception of historical events. The case of Clay Shaw and the acquittal illustrated the complex interplay between fact and fiction in the context of historical storytelling.

Jackie Kennedy in Modern Cinema

The 2016 film Jackie, directed by Spike Jonze, was a significant departure from historical norms. The movie focused on the aftermath of John F. Kennedy’s assassination from the perspective of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. The film was a biopic that offered a deeply personal and emotional view of Jacqueline’s struggle after losing her husband. Unlike conspiracy theories or fictional retellings, Jackie aimed to preserve the integrity and dignity of the subject.

While the film was not controversial at the time of its release, it did face scrutiny for its depiction of the late first lady. The actors and filmmakers involved in the project worked meticulously to ensure historical accuracy, despite the need for dramatic license. The film received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Jacqueline’s resilience and inner turmoil.

It’s important to note that Jackie Kennedy’s death on May 19, 1994, from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma had already occurred two decades prior to the film’s release, making any controversy regarding her character in the movie rather remote. The focus of the film was on the immediate aftermath of her husband’s death, providing a fresh perspective on a well-known historical event.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making movies about the JFK assassination and reimagining the life of Jackie Kennedy is not illegal. While filmmakers must be mindful of historical accuracy and avoid plagiarism, the legal framework allows for creative and diverse interpretations of significant historical events. The role of modern cinema is to artistic expression, contributing to ongoing discussions and historical understanding. Whether through serious biopics or fictional narratives, films like Jackie and X-Men: Days of Future Past enrich our cultural landscape and provide new insights into the past.