Costner seems to have a proclivity to films where his character has a family that he can love and worry alongside as the main plot evolves. At times these scenes seem unnecessary, but him telling his wife that he will be evacuated with the President, not joining her and the children in the event of war, is very good. He does excel at playing the smart man with a temper just around the corner, though. And you can fell his anger as he keeps his composure among the brass as they attempt to force the President's hand.
Greenwood is brilliant as JFK, even notching up an award for his work. A bigger surprise is Steven Culp as the cockier, more aggressive and hands-on Robert Kennedy. Always with a complete understanding of any situation, and a way to implement. The brilliant and ruthless one to a tee.
As there is no youth here, this is an opportunity for mature character actors to shine. That makes for a stellar cast. Special mention goes to Dylan Baker and Michael Fairman for memorable interpretations of Robert McNamara and Adlai Stevenson. Baker is front and centre of the films most suspenseful scene (a wonderful nail-biter as the a Russian ship has broken the blockade) and is pitch perfect. Fairman is brilliant as the cautious Stevenson, teetering on the brink of his career, but as all seem to have lost faith in him, and he needs to step up, he has a weary little gem: "I'm an old political cat, Kenny. But I've got one life left". A sublime, understated performance.
The men in dark suits with serious faces work a treat and show you don't need to flash people to get a point across. A few lines, spoken with certainty, with shivering consequences obvious, and the heartbreaking calls Costner has to make as a result, are among the films most memorable scenes. Director Donaldson does an excellent job at portraying the pressure Kennedy was under by his military advisers to launch a full-scale invasion of Cuba instead of a more cautious blockade. Albeit, I do feel he overstates it a bit for simplicity and to make Kennedy shine even more.
There is suspense galore, despite most of it being conversations in dark room between men in even darker suits, with lingering close-ups of very serious politicians and diplomats. The humour is naturally very dry and very clever. Quite perfect. As for the running time it is perfectly viable, until the last few minutes, which are most unnecessary drivel.
Best enjoyed with a large whisky. No ice. Just for the mood.
8/10
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