Assassins poster

Assassins (1990)

Movie 90 min

This darkly satirical musical reframes American history through the eyes of those who attempted – successfully or not – to kill US presidents. Structured as a surreal carnival sideshow, the piece weaponises American musical traditions – vaudeville, folk ballads, barbershop quartets, patriotic Sousa-style marches and Bacharach pop – to undercut the myth of the “American Dream,” exposing how frustration, alienation and entitlement can curdle into violence. By giving voice to figures from John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, Assassins invites audiences not to condone their acts but to confront the unsettling continuity between personal disillusionment and national mythology, turning the musical stage into a mirror for America’s darkest obsessions.

Jerry Zaks Director

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Quick facts

Released
December 18, 1990
Runtime
90 min
Language
English

Cast

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Frequently asked questions

What is Assassins about?
This darkly satirical musical reframes American history through the eyes of those who attempted – successfully or not – to kill US presidents. Structured as a surreal carnival sideshow, the piece weaponises American musical traditions – vaudeville, folk ballads, barbershop quartets, patriotic Sousa-style marches and Bacharach pop – to undercut the myth of the “American Dream,” exposing how frustration, alienation and entitlement can curdle into violence. By giving voice to figures from John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, Assassins invites audiences not to condone their acts but to confront the unsettling continuity between personal disillusionment and national mythology, turning the musical stage into a mirror for America’s darkest obsessions.
Who directed Assassins?
Assassins was directed by Jerry Zaks.
Who stars in Assassins?
Assassins stars Patrick Cassidy, Victor Garber, William Parry Leon, Terrence Mann.
When was Assassins released?
Assassins is a 1990 film.
Where can I watch Assassins?
You can watch Assassins with full details, cast, and streaming options on 3eyedraven.