November 22, 1963. Already on the campaign trail, John F. Kennedy made an official visit to Dallas. This trip was going to be stormy in a state that was hostile to him because of its desegregation policy. Yet, all along the way from the airport, the crowd cheered fervently for the presidential motorcade. But when the black Lincoln pulled into Dealey Plaza at 12:30 p.m., the president collapsed, shot in the head.
Using rare archival footage, Patrick Jeudy retraces the events of that day from the point of view of those close to the president and anonymous witnesses to one of the greatest mysteries of state. Bodyguards, journalists, doctors and ordinary people: the director transcribes their impressions, necessarily subjective, to better deconstruct the imposed images of this over-mediatized event.
Detaching himself from the famous amateur film of Abraham Zapruder, on which we can see the impact of the fatal bullet, he makes us discover the tragic destinies behind the great story: like Clint Hill, Jackie's bodyguard, who will reproach himself all his life for not having been able to save the president.
Commentary by Féodor Atkine.