When watching last weeks movie “JFK” one thing that struck me the most was the striking similarities of Jim’s closing argument to that of Atticus Finch’s closing argument in “To Kill a Mockingbird”. The instant that Jim began to say the truth, that the jury must find the truth to what happened in the assassination of President Kennedy. Not only in the words that were being spoken was there many many similarities but in the cinematography as well. Both men are shot at medium angles and the camera continually cuts back in forth between three subjects. The lawyers, Jim and Atticus, the men on trial, Clay and Boo Radly, and the jurors. These constant three cuts keeps the audience focused on the issue and those involved. Both men, Jim and Atticus, speak with such strikingly similar poise and stature that both give any audience spine chilling reactions. Both speak of our American society and the foundation of truth and equality that it is built on. I found it to be very powerful and moving after going back and reviewing each closing argument.
I think a common theme in both films was expressed in JFK: “The truth often poses a threat to power.” I really liked the comparison of the closing court scenes in these two films because it strongly conveyed this theme and really engaged the audience emotionally. I also found it interesting how the jury’s decision was not what the audience/lawyer wanted in both films.