Framing JFK

FRAMING “JFK” : 

FRAMING “JFK” Analysis of Pre-Title and Title Sequences

Ingredients: (1) Music Moods : 

Ingredients: (1) Music Moods Military (drums and trumpet) alternately: supports existence of “military-industrial” complex; provides “funereal” tone; adds to foreboding as text reaches Dallas. Multi-instrument orchestral: sweeping, passionate tones alternately eliciting deeply emotional response: triumphal; sweet or lyrical; foreboding.

Ingredients (2) Broad Political and Moral Context : 

Ingredients (2) Broad Political and Moral Context Eisenhower’s warning of military-industrial complex: frames entire movie, implicitly suggests link to assassination; Ella Wilcox quote : “ to sin by silence…makes cowards, etc.” Implies such sins have been committed, that truth has been hidden; Creates virtuous glow: this movie is not silent, breaks the cycle of cowardice.

Ingredients (3) Positive Associations : 

Ingredients (3) Positive Associations Narrow election victory over Nixon, but a “winner” (implication: GOP involvement?) Positive framing: JFK as “symbol of new freedom,” demonstrated in speeches (incl: “I am a Berliner”). Loving husband and father to appealing wife, children; man “of the people.” JFK’s own masterly rhetoric confirms “good character.” Shots of MLK, RK, MX associate JFK with themes of emancipation; reminders of the assassinations of the 60s, implying links.

Ingredients (4) Negative Associations of JFK “enemies” : 

Ingredients (4) Negative Associations of JFK “enemies” Cuba crisis (shots of ‘furious’ Castro, reference to “angry” Cuban exiles); Secret CIA war against Cuba; “Frightened” American business interests in LatAm, shots of corporate logos; “Refused” to supply air cover for Bay of Pigs, because claimed CIA “lied.” 1962 missile crisis, rumors of “secret deal” with Russia

Ingredients (4 ctd): Negative : 

Ingredients (4 ctd): Negative Laos and Vietnam: Kennedy says war cannot be won; it is “their war.” Rumors that JFK is “soft on communism.” Woman dumped from car: warns JFK to be killed; Dallas bizarre (e.g. man having seizure; Kennedy “wanted for treason” poster)

The Missing : 

The Missing Longer historical introduction might show US as established imperialist; nothing unusual about “military-industrial complex”; Extremely contentious nature of JFK theories; If Kennedy failed Bay of Pigs, did he leave door open for Soviet meddling; Dangers of communist expansion; Personal failings of Kennedy (e.g. womanizing); Dynastic power of the Kennedy clan Any specific reference to Oswald

Implications of the Missing : 

Implications of the Missing If Kennedy portrayed less positively, audience might be less sympathetic; If contentious nature of other assassination theories explored, this one might seem less compelling; If dangers of communism to US interests more emphasized, assassination might be attributed to Soviets, or domestic plot might even seem justifiable.