# Thirteen Days

> 2000 film directed by Roger Donaldson

**Wikidata**: [Q128730](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q128730)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_Days_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thirteen-days

## Summary
Thirteen Days is a 2000 historical drama film directed by Roger Donaldson, dramatizing the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Based on Robert F. Kennedy's 1969 book *Thirteen Days: Memoir of a Crisis*, the film stars Kevin Costner as Kenneth O'Donnell and explores the political tensions of the Cold War. It premiered in Washington, D.C., on December 19, 2000, and was released in the United States on January 12, 2001.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: Premiered December 19, 2000; released January 12, 2001 (U.S.).
- **Director**: Roger Donaldson.
- **Based On**: Robert F. Kennedy's 1969 memoir *Thirteen Days: Memoir of a Crisis*.
- **Starring**: Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Steven Culp.
- **Genres**: Historical drama, political thriller, war film.
- **Runtime**: 145 minutes.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Production Company**: Beacon Pictures.
- **Filming Locations**: Canada, United States.
- **Ratings**: 7.2/10 (IMDb), 83% (Rotten Tomatoes), 67/100 (Metacritic).
- **Awards**: 2 wins (including a Young Artist Award) and 3 nominations.
- **Budget**: $80 million (unadjusted).
- **Box Office**: $96.1 million (worldwide).
- **Music**: Composed by Christopher Young.
- **Cinematography**: Andrzej Bartkowiak.
- **Studio**: MGM/UA Distribution Co.
- **ISBN**: 0-316-49934-5 (source material).
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424.
- **IMDb ID**: tt0146309.
- **VIAF ID**: 184995114.
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: no2011063618.

## FAQs
**Who directed Thirteen Days, and what is it about?**  
Thirteen Days was directed by Roger Donaldson. It dramatizes the 13-day Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, focusing on the Kennedy administration's decision-making process to avoid nuclear war with the Soviet Union.

**Is the film based on a true story?**  
Yes, the film is adapted from Robert F. Kennedy’s memoir, which provides a firsthand account of the crisis. It blends historical events with dramatized character interactions.

**What genres does the film belong to?**  
Thirteen Days is classified as a historical drama, political thriller, and war film, reflecting its focus on real-world geopolitical tension and strategic negotiations.

**Where was the film shot?**  
Primary filming locations included Canada and the United States, with scenes recreating Washington, D.C., and the Kennedy White House.

**How was the film received critically and commercially?**  
The film received positive reviews for its historical accuracy and performances, earning an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score. It grossed $96.1 million worldwide against an $80 million budget.

## Why It Matters
Thirteen Days is significant for its gripping portrayal of one of the most perilous moments in modern history, offering insights into Cold War politics and crisis management. It serves as both an educational tool and a dramatization of leadership under pressure, highlighting the importance of diplomacy in averting catastrophe. The film’s attention to historical detail and its focus on lesser-known figures like Kenneth O’Donnell provide a nuanced perspective on the Kennedy administration. As a cultural artifact, it reflects early 2000s interests in Cold War narratives and the enduring relevance of nuclear diplomacy.

## Notable For
- **Historical Accuracy**: Praised for its meticulous recreation of the Cuban Missile Crisis, drawing directly from primary sources.
- **Cold War Drama**: A standout example of the political thriller genre, emphasizing suspense and strategic decision-making.
- **Awards Recognition**: Won a Young Artist Award and was nominated for a Satellite Award and a Blockbuster Entertainment Award.
- **Kevin Costner’s Performance**: Notable for his portrayal of Kenneth O’Donnell, a key advisor to President Kennedy.
- **Cultural Timing**: Released during a resurgence of Cold War-themed media, capitalizing on public fascination with 20th-century geopolitics.
- **Educational Value**: Used in history and political science contexts to illustrate crisis management and diplomatic strategy.

## Body

### Production Background
Thirteen Days was produced by Beacon Pictures, with a budget of $80 million. Filming took place in Canada and the United States, utilizing locations to recreate 1960s Washington, D.C. The screenplay by David Self adapted Robert F. Kennedy’s memoir, with a focus on the Kennedy administration’s internal dynamics. The film features a score by Christopher Young and cinematography by Andrzej Bartkowiak.

### Release and Reception
The film premiered in Washington, D.C., on December 19, 2000, ahead of its U.S. release on January 12, 2001. It received widespread critical acclaim for its historical fidelity and performances, particularly Bruce Greenwood’s portrayal of John F. Kennedy. Rotten Tomatoes certified it "Fresh" with an 83% score, while Metacritic assigned a 67/100 "generally favorable" rating. Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave it an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.

### Historical Context
The Cuban Missile Crisis (October 16–28, 1962) was a 13-day confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over Soviet missile installations in Cuba. The film dramatizes the Kennedy administration’s response, including the secret negotiations and military strategies considered. It emphasizes the role of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy (played by Steven Culp) and Special Assistant Kenneth O’Donnell (Kevin Costner) in advocating for diplomacy over immediate military action.

### Themes and Content
The film explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of power. It portrays the intense debate within the Kennedy administration, contrasting hawkish military advisors with dovish advocates for negotiation. Key scenes include the Oval Office debates, the U-2 spy plane shootdown, and the eventual resolution through a secret missile withdrawal deal. The screenplay incorporates real dialogue from declassified transcripts, enhancing its authenticity.

### Legacy
Thirteen Days is remembered as a landmark Cold War drama, often compared to *Fail Safe* (1964) and *The Missiles of October* (1974). It influenced later political thrillers like *Frost/Nixon* (2008) and *Argo* (2012). The film’s success bolstered Kevin Costner’s career and reinforced Roger Donaldson’s reputation for directing tense, politically charged narratives. It remains a staple in history classrooms and Cold War media studies.

### Connected Entities
- **Beacon Pictures**: The production company behind the film, known for projects like *The Thomas Crown Affair* (1999) and *The Whole Nine Yards* (2000).
- **United States**: The country of origin and central setting, with the film reflecting U.S.-Soviet relations during the Cold War.
- **Historical Drama**: A film genre emphasizing historical accuracy, with Thirteen Days exemplifying the subgenre of political/military dramas.
- **Robert F. Kennedy**: Author of the source memoir and a key figure in the crisis, portrayed in the film by Steven Culp.
- **Cuban Missile Crisis**: The real-world event depicted, a pivotal moment in 20th-century history that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 145 minutes (2 hours 25 minutes).
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.35:1 (Cinemascope).
- **Sound Mix**: Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS.
- **Color**: Color film with archival black-and-white footage.
- **Film Stock**: Kodak Vision 250D 5246 (interiors), Kodak Vision 500T 5279 (exteriors).
- **Camera**: Panavision Panaflex Gold II, Arriflex 435.
- **Laboratory**: Technicolor (color processing), Deluxe (film printing).

### Cultural Impact
Thirteen Days contributed to renewed public interest in the Cuban Missile Crisis, coinciding with the declassification of U.S. government documents in the 1990s. It has been cited in academic analyses of crisis management and Cold War media representation. The film’s portrayal of Kennedy’s leadership has also sparked debates among historians about the accuracy of its characterizations, particularly regarding the influence of Kenneth O’Donnell.

## References

1. The Movie Database
2. Thirteen Days. Rotten Tomatoes
3. [Source](http://kinokalender.com/film1985_thirteen-days.html)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Kinopoisk
6. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/thirteen-days/)
7. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/thirteen-days-film/)
8. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
9. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/103737)
10. Online-Filmdatenbank
11. Bechdel Test Movie List
12. mymovies.it
13. Danish Film Database
14. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/93654)
15. TheTVDB
16. Trakt.tv
17. FilmVandaag.nl