Reviews

This is an all but forgotten little gem by Peter (Bullit) Yates, who uses a sensitive and witty script by the excellent John Mortimer.

The direction, acting, and general tone are near perfect. Alas it was probably super cool for a year or two after it's release and nothing dates like 1960s high fashion.

You may catch it on a late night TV channel - if so, postpone your bedtime for 90 minutes or so and enjoy!

Last thought - This film may have been the source for Woody Allen's famous and celebrated "subtitles" scene in Annie Hall, made several years later with Mia Farrow.

Given director Oliver Stone's political views, this portrait of the most flawed and immoral president in American history is surprisingly sympathetic and perceptive.

How easy it would have been to assemble a chronology of Nixon's lies and plotting and paranoia into an entertaining hatchet job, by turns amusing and rage inducing!

Instead, what emerges is a complex and detailed portrayal of a sensitive intelligent man, deeply affected by his horrible childhood (painfully well portrayed) leading to the weird mixture of ambition, victimhood, and paranoia that gradually dominate the later political career.

Neither does Stone ignore the man's achievements and talents; indeed in one of the best scenes, Nixon skillfully turns the tables on a group of rightwing extremists seeking to influence him with a mixture of money and threats. Likewise, the famous accomodation with China and the meeting with Mao is well handled and acknowledged.

But its the last hour of the film that really shocks and scares you. Its well documented now that Nixon under pressure sought relief in the bottle and pills, and his always nervous and anxious personality gave way to outright paranoia and instability. We sympathise with aides, military men, and colleagues as they gradually realise that the President is literally out of his mind over Watergate and his place in history.

Superb performances from the entire cast are aided by Oliver Stones usual impressive visual style and masterfull editing.

A very thoughtful, well crafted film that makes you want to learn more about Nixon's life and times; perhaps the ultimate recommendation for any historic film.