THIRTEEN DAYS Directed by: Roger Donaldson Produced by: Kevin Costner Based on the novel "The Kennedy Tapes- Inside the White House During the Cuban missile Crisis." In recent years, the presidency of John Fitzgerald Kennedy has been plagued with rumours of infidelity and gross conduct against the American people. Although certain authors like Gerald Posner & Seymour Hersh, have done their personal best to discredit JFK's short term in office during the 1960s, we finally learn more about the politics and history of how President Kennedy helped to save the world from nuclear destruction in 1962 in collaboration with Premier Khruschev.

Sure, people may argue that the Russians started the Crisis; but will they consider how it was resolved? Maybe- maybe not! Based on the highly credited novel written by Earnest. R May, "Thirteen Days" was able to establish a unique motion picture designed to capture it's audience from beginning to end. The movie, based on historical fact, is hair raising and a great depiction of what actually happened during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October of 1962. "Duck and Cover!!!!" Maybe so. However, "Thirteen Days", is unique in such a way that it allows for the entire story to unfold without high priced Hollywood stars running the show. Are the actors worth Oscar nominations? Well I'm the first to say that Bruce Greenwood (Nowhere Man) who stars as President Kennedy, conveys a perfect role by learning Kennedy's mannerisms and his unique Bostonian accent. Nonetheless, we must also consider the role of Stephen Culp who starred as the ruthless Attorney General, and helped shape the administrations stance from a partisan post-World War II stance from Military hard-liners. Culp's ability to pull off the role of Bobby Kennedy is, in my opinion, worthy of an Oscar nomination. Ironically, Culp aslo starred as Bobby Kennedy in "Norma Jean and Marilyn" (TV).

Now if you've noticed, I've left the biggest name for last. Kevin Costner should be commended for taking a back seat and allowing this movie to carry on with a fluency never portrayed in a Kennedy film. Starring as Kenny O'Donnell (JFK's Harvard and school boy friend), Costner creates an intense but cynical atmosphere by acting as a special political counsel to the President. Costner's knowledge, possibly dating back to his role as Jim Garrison in "JFK", may have been the most influential asset to this film. However, we've talked enough about the the actors- how about the movie? "Thirteen Days" may possibly be considered the best film of the year. Highly explosive with digital technology and CGI, this movie suddenly becomes beautiful in it's own way. Famous nuclear footage was used throughout the movie to create an intense and scary atmosphere, but the most intriguing aspect of the film was it's central focus on diplomacy and the many political consequences both Kennedy and Premier Khruschev had to acknowledge. With the build up of inter-mediate range ballistic missiles on the island of Cuba, the Soviet Union simply snuck what I like to call a "Royal Flush" 90 miles off the shore of the United States. These missiles, once operational, would have been used as offensive weapons against the Western Hemisphere, leaving only 5 minutes of American reactionary time. Within this time frame, many Americans would have been killed. Despite the fact that diplomatic measures, appeasement, air strikes, sneak tactics, and back door channels were all major ploys involved with this film, the overall conclusion from the American government was a first strike policy to wipe out Cuba. This of course could be considered a revenge tactic in the wake of the Bay of Pigs invasion in April 1961.

To enjoy the movie, I strongly suggest that you read a little about the Cuban Missle Crisis, and how close we were to nuclear annihilation. The pressure build up from both the American and Russian governments suggested that war was inevitable. Plausible denial used on all fronts forced this situation further than it actually should have went. Regardless, the movie should teach us all a lesson about politics and the men who govern. It should also teach us about diplomacy, and how peace is always a measure for prosperity. Forty-one years ago, John. F Kennedy spoke about how the instruments of war had far out-paced the instruments of peace. Watch this movie with an open mind, and consider the consequences of how two cool level-headed men helped to save the world from the horrible destruction we all know as nuclear war. It is this writers opinion that this movie examined all the situations between both governments. Hard-line military strategists can become a terrible force to be reckoned with. However, because of men like Kennedy and Khruschev, we should all be thankful for the lives we lead today, and the start of a Nuclear Test Ban Treaty which stills exists today. "Thirteen Days" is an excellent movie that centers around politics and perserverance. So I leave you all with this: "Ask not what this movie can do for you, ask what you can do for this movie."

Two thumbs up!

Michael Kydd
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