The Zapruder Film: A Look at the JFK Assassination

The Zapruder Film: A Look at the JFK Assassination

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. The event was captured on film by Abraham Zapruder, a bystander who was filming the presidential motorcade as it passed by. Zapruder’s film, now known as the Zapruder film, is one of the most iconic and controversial pieces of footage in American history.

The Zapruder film is a grainy, black-and-white film that shows the moment Kennedy was shot. The film is 26 seconds long and shows the entire event from Zapruder’s perspective. The film begins with Kennedy riding in the presidential limousine, waving to the crowd. As the limousine passes the Texas School Book Depository, three shots ring out. Kennedy is seen clutching his throat and slumping over in his seat. His wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, reaches over to him, trying to hold him up.

The Zapruder film was immediately seized by the authorities and became a key piece of evidence in the investigation into Kennedy’s assassination. The film was shown to the Warren Commission, which was tasked with investigating the assassination. The Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine, acted alone in assassinating Kennedy. However, the film has been the subject of much debate and controversy since its release. Many people believe that the Zapruder film shows evidence of a conspiracy to assassinate Kennedy, and that Oswald was not the sole assassin.

Abraham Zapruder, the man who filmed the assassination, was a successful businessman who lived in Dallas. He was a fan of President Kennedy and had brought his camera to film the motorcade. He was initially reluctant to share his film with the authorities, but he eventually agreed to do so. He was concerned about the moral implications of his footage and the potential for it to be exploited. He did not want to be seen as profiting from the tragedy.

The Zapruder film has had a profound impact on American culture. It is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the tragedy of Kennedy’s assassination. The film has been used in countless books, documentaries, and films. It is a piece of history that continues to fascinate and intrigue people today.

In conclusion, the Zapruder film is a significant piece of historical footage that captured a pivotal moment in American history. The film’s impact on American culture is undeniable, and it continues to be a source of debate and discussion. While the Warren Commission’s findings remain the official account of the assassination, the Zapruder film continues to fuel speculation and conspiracy theories.