John F. Kennedy’s assassination is being revisited from the perspective of organized crime in November 1963, a new true-story thriller directed by two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker Roland Joffé. Known for The Killing Fields and The Mission, Joffé is taking audiences behind the scenes of the 48 hours surrounding Kennedy’s death, focusing on the powerful figures allegedly operating in the shadows.
The film centers on the Chicago Outfit and its alleged role in the assassination, drawing from first-hand accounts and information connected to the family of crime boss Sam Giancana. Nicki Celozzi, Giancana’s nephew, wrote the screenplay and is producing alongside Kevin Dewalt of Minds Eye Entertainment.
John Travolta leads the cast as Johnny Roselli, the influential organized-crime figure who served as the Outfit’s representative on the West Coast and in Las Vegas. Mandy Patinkin plays Anthony Accardo, the calculating Chicago crime boss, while Dermot Mulroney portrays Chuckie Nicoletti, Giancana’s bodyguard and notorious South Side hitman.
Robert Carlyle takes on the role of Jack Ruby, with Jefferson White playing Lee Harvey Oswald.
According to Celozzi, the story draws from an account by Giancana’s brother Pepe, who was reportedly with Sam during those crucial two days. The film explores the alleged conspiracy surrounding the assassination, including the claim of a second shooter positioned as a backup.
November 1963 promises a controversial new perspective on one of America’s most enduring mysteries.
