Virtual JFK: Vietnam If Kennedy Had Lived

Writer-director Koji Masutani based this documentary on a book co-authored by James Blight (who appears as narrator) and two other writers. Both the book and film ask a lingering question with historical and political ramifications: If John F. Kennedy hadn't been assassinated, would he have made Lyndon Johnson's decision to widely expand America's role in Vietnam, which resulted in a terrible national trauma? The film's conjecture: probably not. The evidence involves not only Kennedy's policy decisions on Vietnam (his reluctance to send combat troops and a much-reported remark about winding down American involvement), but also his attitude toward other international crises: the Bay of Pigs invasion, the erection of the Berlin Wall, the conflict in Laos, and the Cuban missile crisis. In all these instances, the film argues, JFK leaned toward caution and negotiation, not the application of military force, and if that's any guide, he might have acted similarly in decisions about Vietnam. While this is a reasonable conclusion, it's also a debatable one, but never challenged here. Still, Virtual JFK offers a wealth of archival material—news footage, stills, recorded conversations, transcripts—as well as recollections from participants and scholars (along with excerpts from three of Johnson's later national addresses about Vietnam as a bonus). Even though its counter-factual history is controversial and the “what if” question it raises is unanswerable, this would be a solid discussion starter. Recommended. [Note: Virtual JFK is also available with public performance rights for $295 from Bullfrog Films, www.bullfrogfilms.com.] Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)