From 'JFK' to 'The Day Lincoln Was Shot': Hollywood’s Obsession With Presidential Assassination Plots

The attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump on Sunday sparked a media frenzy, drawing intense scrutiny to every detail of the shooting. Within hours of the campaign rally shoot-out in Pennsylvania, conspiracy theories took the internet by storm and skeptics started questioning if the entire shooting could have been “staged”.

This real-world threat against the holder of the highest office in the United States (in Trump’s case, a former president) underscores a deep-rooted cultural fascination with such dangers, a theme long reflected in Hollywood classics like Oliver Stone’s JFK (1991) and Clint Eastwood’s In the Line of Fire (1993).

With the help of dramatic storytelling, such films have mirrored and often amplified American anxieties about the safety of US presidents. These movies tap into fears of political instability by portraying scenarios where the White House, the Secret Service, or the president himself is under mortal threat. Here is a list of six films, both based on real events and fictional scenarios, that explore such themes and motifs:

“JFK” (1991)

Directed by Oliver Stone, this 1990 classic explores the assassination of former US President John F Kennedy who was shot dead on November 22, 1963. The film delves into the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination, focusing on the investigation led by New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner).

It presents a detailed take on the events and suspects involved, reflecting widespread public intrigue and skepticism about the official account of Kennedy’s death. Stone’s film became a major cultural touchstone, influencing how audiences view historical events and the concept of governmental secrecy.

“The Day Lincoln Was Shot” (1956)

A historical drama that chronicles the events leading up to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, and the immediate aftermath. Starring Raymond Massey as Lincoln, the film presents a dramatic portrayal of John Wilkes Booth’s assassination plot and the subsequent manhunt.

It provides a historical perspective on one of the most pivotal moments in American history, highlighting the impact of Lincoln’s death on the nation and offering insights into the events that led to the assassination.

“The Sentinel” (2006)

In this movie, famed actor Michael Douglas plays a Secret Service agent who discovers a conspiracy to assassinate the US President. The film delves into the internal complexities and personal dynamics within the Secret Service, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption.

It portrays the high-stress environment of presidential protection and the significant personal sacrifices made by those who serve. The plot of the movie is driven by the protagonist’s bid to clear his name and thwart the assassination attempt on the US president.

“In the Line of Fire” (1993)

It stars Clint Eastwood as a Secret Service agent haunted by his past failures while he faces a new threat against the US President. The film provides a detailed look at the intense pressure and dedication involved in protecting the American Commander-in-Chief, blending suspense with a deep character study.

The antagonist’s plot to assassinate the US President drives the narrative, showcasing the personal stakes for those entrusted with the highest level of protection. The film resonates with themes of duty and redemption, underlining the sacrifices and risks faced by security personnel in the line of duty.

“The Assassination of Richard Nixon” (2004)

“The Assassination of Richard Nixon” is a fictionalized account inspired by the real-life 1970s plot to assassinate President Richard Nixon. Starring Sean Penn, the film follows a disillusioned businessman who becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of killing Nixon.

The film explores themes of political disillusionment and personal desperation, drawing on the political climate of the 1970s to create a narrative about the consequences of extreme political views and the fragile nature of power.

“Executive Action” (1973)

“Executive Action” is a controversial film that presents a fictionalised account of a conspiracy to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. Starring Burt Lancaster and Robert Ryan, the movie suggests that the assassination was the result of a coordinated plot by powerful figures within the US government.

The film taps into conspiracy theories surrounding Kennedy’s death and reflects American mistrust of official narratives about the assassination. At the time of its release, it contributed to ongoing debates about historical truth and governmental transparency regarding the JFK case, which continues to be discussed in the US to this day.