Parkland Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of people have a really bad day in Dallas after a field trip goes horribly wrong.

🍿 Parkland: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Day the World Changed

The film opens on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. We see glimpses of ordinary life – Abraham Zapruder preparing to film the presidential motorcade, doctors and nurses at Parkland Memorial Hospital going about their daily routines, and FBI agents investigating Lee Harvey Oswald, a man they consider a low-level threat. These seemingly unconnected lives are about to collide in a moment that will forever alter history.

Parkland Hospital: The Center of the Storm

After President John F. Kennedy is shot, he is rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital. Young Dr. Jim Carrico and his team desperately try to save him, but their efforts are in vain. The film realistically depicts the chaotic and emotionally charged atmosphere in the emergency room as the medical staff grapple with the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, news of the shooting spreads rapidly, and the hospital becomes a focal point for media and government officials.

The Aftermath: Grief, Confusion, and Responsibility

In the aftermath of the assassination, the film explores the personal struggles of several key individuals. Abraham Zapruder grapples with the weight of his film footage, knowing he holds a crucial piece of evidence. Secret Service agent Forrest Sorrels is haunted by the feeling that he failed to protect the president. Robert Oswald, Lee Harvey Oswald’s brother, struggles to come to terms with his brother’s actions and the implications for his family. The FBI deals with the fallout from their prior investigation of Oswald.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Charles ‘Jim’ Carrico (Zac Efron): A young doctor at Parkland Hospital, Dr. Carrico is thrust into the chaos of the JFK assassination when he is one of the first doctors to attend to the President.
• Abraham Zapruder (Paul Giamatti): An ordinary businessman, Zapruder inadvertently captures the JFK assassination on film, forever changing his life and contributing a key piece of evidence.
• Forrest Sorrels (Billy Bob Thornton): As the Dallas’ chief of the Secret Service, Sorrels grapples with the immense responsibility and failure of protecting President Kennedy.
• Robert Oswald (James Badge Dale): Lee Harvey Oswald’s brother, Robert, must confront the shocking reality of his brother’s actions and its impact on his family.
• James Hosty (Ron Livingston): An FBI agent, Hosty faces scrutiny and guilt after it’s revealed he had contact with Lee Harvey Oswald before the assassination.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Roy Kellerman: “It’s the first time that the secret service has lost a president under its watch.” – Kellerman expresses the profound failure and responsibility felt by the Secret Service after the assassination.
• Abraham Zapruder: “Oh my God! They killed him!” – Said by Zapruder as he realizes the enormity of what he has captured on film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $653,651
• Worldwide Gross: $1,412,181

💥 Parkland Reviews

Personal Review

Parkland really got to me. I wasn’t expecting to feel so much for the everyday people caught up in such a huge moment. The scene in the hospital, with the doctors desperately trying to save JFK, was intense and heartbreaking. I also felt for Zapruder, knowing he captured something that changed history forever. It’s not a perfect movie, but it made me think and feel, which is what I look for.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History buffs”
  • “Those interested in the JFK assassination”
  • “Fans of ensemble cast dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Graphic imagery (medical scenes)”
  • “Disturbing historical events”
  • “Thematic elements related to death and grief”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Parkland offers a respectful but ultimately underwhelming account of the JFK assassination’s immediate aftermath. While the performances are solid, the film lacks a compelling narrative focus and emotional depth.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Though Parkland boasts a talented cast and recreates the period convincingly, it struggles to find a unique perspective on a well-trodden historical event. The film feels disjointed, lacking a cohesive narrative thread to tie its various storylines together.
• RogerEbert.com: “Parkland is a well-intentioned but flawed film that explores the human side of a national tragedy. While it avoids sensationalism and conspiracy theories, it also lacks a strong emotional core, leaving the viewer feeling detached from the events unfolding on screen.

Audience Reactions

Viewers appreciated the focus on ordinary people’s experiences.: Many viewers found the film moving and appreciated its historical accuracy.

The performances of the cast, especially Paul Giamatti, were praised.: The acting was highlighted as a strong point.

Overall Consensus: Parkland is a historically accurate and emotional but somewhat disjointed portrayal of the JFK assassination’s immediate aftermath, with strong performances but lacking a cohesive narrative.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on Vincent Bugliosi’s book “Four Days in November: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy.””
• “The Zapruder family cooperated with the filmmakers for the first time, providing insights into Abraham Zapruder’s experiences.”
• “The film avoids conspiracy theories, focusing on the experiences of ordinary people caught up in the aftermath of the assassination.”
• “Filming took place in Dallas, Texas, including at Dealey Plaza, the site of the assassination.”

🖥️ How to Watch Parkland?

As of October 2024, ‘Parkland’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability and pricing. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be found through online retailers such as Amazon and at local stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Parkland, you might like these similar films:

• JFK (1991): Explores the Kennedy assassination, but focuses on the investigation and conspiracy theories surrounding the event.
• Bobby (2006): Presents a fictionalized account of the events leading up to the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy through the eyes of various characters present at the Ambassador Hotel.
• United 93 (2006): Recreates the events aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, focusing on the passengers’ and crew’s attempts to regain control of the plane.
• All the President’s Men (1976): Chronicles the investigation by Washington Post reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward into the Watergate scandal, highlighting the importance of truth and accountability.

🛒 Parkland Related Products

• JFK (Director’s Cut) [Blu-ray]: Oliver Stone’s epic film about the JFK assassination, featuring Kevin Costner. Delve into the conspiracy theories with the restored Director’s Cut.
• Four Days in November: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy: Vincent Bugliosi’s extensive book on the JFK assassination. Gain deep insights into the events surrounding the assassination.
• Zapruder Film: The Ultimate JFK Assassination Film: A replica of Abraham Zapruder’s iconic 8mm film of the JFK assassination. A haunting piece of history.
• Parkland Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official Parkland movie poster. Perfect for displaying your interest in historical dramas.

🎧 Soundtrack

Parkland features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by James Newton Howard
• “The Motorcade” – performed by James Newton Howard
• “The Funeral” – performed by James Newton Howard

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Dr. Malcolm Perry – First surgeon to attend to President Kennedy at Parkland Memorial Hospital

Want to know what it was like inside Parkland Hospital when JFK was rushed in? Hear firsthand from Dr. Malcolm Perry, the surgeon who treated him – his account is incredibly insightful and a must-watch!

November 22, 1963 – From Parkland Memorial Hospital to Dallas Love Field Airport

Ever wondered what happened right after the events at Parkland? This rare footage shows the immediate aftermath, including LBJ leaving the hospital and JFK’s casket being moved – it’s chilling to see it all unfold.

Tom Welling – Parkland: 2013 | Part 1 [HD]

Curious about Tom Welling’s role in Parkland? Check out this compilation of his scenes as Roy Kellerman; it’s a solid performance, and the clips really capture the intensity of the film!

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