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Assassins

Assassins

2004 · 109 min · ★ 10.0 · History, Drama

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.

Directed by Joe Mantello · Written by John Weidman

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Make it a double feature

3h 38m together

Assassins

The History Boys

A close match in mood and era.

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