"13 Days"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the power and peril of the American presidency in the film "13 Days" by director Roger Donaldson. The paper illustrates the urgency, suspense, and paralyzing chaos of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The paper contends that the movie demonstrates the best and worst of communication between individuals and groups and, in particular, the difficulties of bringing people to consensus when their views differ widely.

From the Paper:

"Kenny O'Connell is Chief of Staff and Political Advisor for President John F. Kennedy. They have been friends for many years, and O'Connell serves as Kennedy's political advisor. He often displays an authoritarian style as team leader. The events that unfold in this movie take place during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, when U-2 spy planes discover Soviet missiles that could easily hit the United States being installed in the U.S.S.R.'s ally, Cuba. Kenneth O'Connell, as portrayed in this movie, is shown to be a man with multiple communication styles that he adjusts from setting to setting. Much of the time he speaks in a very authoritarian way and with considerable finality, but when high-level decisions are being made, he listens to everyone with respect and does not issue orders. However, when it is part of his job to follow through and make sure those group decisions are followed, he does so efficiently and aggressively."

More papers on "13 Days":

• Film Review # 117370 : "Film: "Thirteen Days"
• Analytical Essay # 54380 : "Thirteen Days"
• Book Review # 8069 : "Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis"

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