Garrison was real and did conduct this investigation/prosecution. However, the film portrays him heroically, omitting criticisms of his methods and the validity of his case, which many historians and investigators dispute.

Oswald was the accused assassin. The film portrays him as a pawn ("patsy") within a conspiracy, selectively using evidence to fit this narrative, which remains a heavily debated theory.

Shaw was a real person prosecuted by Garrison and acquitted. The film portrays him as definitively involved in the conspiracy, based on Garrison's contested evidence and theories.

Ferrie was a real person investigated by Garrison. The film greatly emphasizes his connections and portrays him as a key, knowing figure in the plot, which is speculative and disputed.

Based on the real L. Fletcher Prouty, whose claims about a high-level conspiracy are presented largely at face value. The historical accuracy and specific details of Prouty's claims are heavily disputed by historians.

Banister was a real figure investigated by Garrison. The film highlights his right-wing connections and alleged role in the conspiracy, based on Garrison's investigation, much of which is unproven or disputed.

The event occurred as depicted, though the film interprets the details (number of shots, trajectory) through a conspiracy lens, using analysis like the Zapruder film.

The Warren Commission did conclude Oswald acted alone. The film portrays this conclusion as a deliberate cover-up.

Jim Garrison did launch an extensive investigation into alleged conspiracies behind the assassination in New Orleans.

Garrison did prosecute Clay Shaw for conspiracy to assassinate JFK; it was the only such trial ever held.

The jury acquitted Clay Shaw after deliberating for less than an hour.

The film vehemently attacks the Single Bullet Theory as impossible. While debated, the House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) found it credible; the film presents only opposing views.

This is the core of Garrison's (and the film's) thesis. While many question the lone gunman theory, Oswald's role solely as a patsy is unproven and heavily debated by historians.

The film posits a wide-ranging conspiracy involving these groups. While links between some figures existed, evidence for their organized conspiracy to kill JFK is speculative and lacks proof.

Based on L. Fletcher Prouty's theories, presented as fact. Mainstream historians reject Prouty's specific claims about a planned withdrawal from Vietnam being the motive for a coup.

Ferrie died before Shaw's trial (officially aneurysm, though ruled undetermined). The film implies he was murdered as part of the cover-up, which is speculation.

The film alleges widespread tampering (e.g., brain missing, altered autopsy photos). While procedural issues occurred, claims of systematic, malicious tampering are largely unproven/disputed.

The film presents Garrison's evidence (like O'Keefe's testimony) uncritically. Critics argue Garrison used flawed methods, unreliable witnesses, and manipulated evidence.

The film accurately highlights some valid criticisms regarding the Warren Commission's investigation, such as limitations on access to information and certain procedural choices.

The film omits significant weaknesses, contradictions, and criticisms of Garrison's investigation and prosecution of Clay Shaw, presenting his case as much stronger than it was.

The film meticulously recreates the physical setting and sequence of events in Dealey Plaza, often blending it with the actual Zapruder film.

Captures the look and feel of New Orleans in the 1960s, including the French Quarter locations relevant to Garrison's investigation.

Portrays the corridors of power and intelligence agencies with a fitting visual style for the period, enhancing the conspiracy narrative.

The courtroom setting is realistically portrayed, providing a stage for the dramatic presentation of Garrison's arguments (though the arguments themselves are disputed).

Production design accurately reflects the fashion, cars, and general aesthetic of the early-to-mid 1960s in America.

The film effectively integrates real news reports and historical footage (e.g., Zapruder film, Oswald interviews), blurring lines between fact and dramatization.

The offices and tools (files, photos, projectors) used by Garrison's team are generally representative of the era, though dramatized for effect.

While the reasons are disputed, the film successfully creates a pervasive atmosphere of distrust, secrecy, and paranoia reflective of the post-assassination era.