Huievest
Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.
Numerootno
A story that's too fascinating to pass by...
Robert Joyner
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
Filipe Neto
Richard Nixon is one of the most controversial heads of state of the twentieth century. During his tenure as president of the United States, he earned a general hatred almost as high as the power and influence of his office. He was investigated, vilified, attacked but never condemned. Even though I'm not an American nor an expert of these period, I feel it is necessary to make an unbiased and objective historical analysis of this president, I just don't know if that has already happened. Even so, the film we have here didn't seem partial, trying to remain neutral to some extent.Directed by Oliver Stone, it's not appropriate for people who don't know anything about Nixon, or Watergate, or this period of American history, since the film wasn't wasting time explaining anything. So if you didn't understand why Nixon opened the US to China or what was the Watergate or the Bay of Pigs, I suggest you ignore the movie for now and first go read some books or see some documentaries about it. Another problem I want to highlight is the huge web of conspiracies and obscure theories that the film weaves around the president. It never lets us understand what "crimes of responsibility" Nixon has committed. The film also suggests, without subtleties, that Nixon was a simple man who rose in life but wasn't accepted by the "American aristocracy" because of this humble origin, which left him deeply hurt. I don't know if it's true, but the film indicates that as origin of President's lack of scruples.Anthony Hopkins assures the main role in an interesting performance, but that's far from being his best. He made a good preparation and tried his best to be Nixon, but has few physical similarities with him, not to mention his extreme difficulty in imitating president's characteristic voice. Anyway, Hopkins was brilliant at his character's psychological work, with most dramatic scenes going on as he, semi-drunk, reviews his decisions while listening to his famous audio tapes. The remaining cast does a reasonable supporting work. I will not close my review without left a word of appreciation to the sets and costumes, which rebuilt the atmosphere and culture of the Seventies quite well, much like the rooms and offices within White House. Not being exceptional, it's an elegant, quality film, that helps us think about an important period in American history.
alandry73
This movie blew me away. I have always liked Nixon; he had the same brusque manner of so many men born in the 1910-1920 period. Let's face it, the biggest US stories of the 20th century were the Depression, WWII, Korea, Cold War, Vietnam and the changes of US culture in the 60's and 70's and he was smack dab in the middle of all of them. I thought Anthony Hopkins looked and sounded like Nixon..his farewell speech ("my mother was a Saint") which I love is so deep and profound and Hopkins knocks it out of the park. The very clever "News of the World" 5 minute political eulogy of 1962 "you wont have Nixon to kick around" summarizes his whole life to that point and the photo shopping of Hopkins into Nixon newsreel tells the whole story of 1946-60 in just a few minutes..a great way to tell the backstory . Oliver Stone must have a great deal of respect for Nixon as this is a very balanced film. Sorvino nailed Kissinger, and Powers Boothe was a good Haig. E.G.Marshall and Madeline Kahn(John/Martha Mitchell) were entertaining , and Ed Hermann as "Rocky" NY Governor was good too. These were very complicated times..Nixon grew up around horses and almost lived to the 21st century and it was all covered. The scene with Mao..maybe the most underrated event of the 20th century, was extremely well done and the gravitas filled the screen. It is now in my top 5 movies of all time..By the way, the music was outstanding(John Williams nominated for AA) and the ending credits are extremely moving. A great movie.
LeonLouisRicci
The most alienating of Presidents Nixon did very little to be the Leader of America. He steadfastly and without hesitation, apology, or even a slight understanding of what was dividing the Country, was a classic egocentric. His way was the only way and the only way you were going to be a bona-fide Citizen of "His" Nation was to follow him or get out ("love it or leave it"...remember that?).That may be a tough and simplistic analysis of a complex Political Figure but it is in the opinion of many, True. The Film displays this as Fact and it is probably not too far off. Here we see a consistently troubled (even in pre-Watergate times and Childhood) Personality that was most likely doomed the minute he became dependent on the Public for success.This is a mesmerizing and dazzling Picture with all the Oliver Stone touches. The familiar Stylist flourishes with abandon and Pride as he presents a "Biography" ultra-dramatized for effect and intent. It sweeps like a vacuum and not a broom as it powerfully draws in and upon a large amount of unsettling History and Psychological diagnosis.Overall, it is compelling and interesting, riveting and revolting, as we watch a National Figure lose his soul, as quoted at the beginning of the Movie, and it is not a fun thing to observe. This is a forever dark and brooding affair much like the title "Character". For it seems, for the most part, Richard Nixon was more like a Characterization of a Person than a Person, both here on screen and in Real Life. The Human Nixon always seemed to be in noncompliance with the "Third-Person Nixon" that he liked to refer to. (the President states..."I would like to apologize for the murdered students at Kent State...but Nixon can't")
Desertman84
Oliver Stone, the most outspokenly political American filmmaker of the 1980's and 1990's, directs this epic-length biography of Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the U.S., who was re-elected by a landslide in 1972, only to resign in disgrace two years later in the movie entitled,Nixon.It stars Anthony Hopkins in a genuinely great performance as the scandal-plagued former president.The parade of stars playing figures in Nixon's orbit are: Joan Allen,who plays his long-suffering wife Pat; Mary Steenburgen,who portrays his mother Hannah; Bob Hoskins is cast as J. Edgar Hoover;Powers Boothe plays Alexander Haig; Paul Sorvino portrays Henry Kisinger;Ed Harris plays E. Howard Hunt; J.T. Walsh as John Ehrlichman; James Woods as Bob Haldeman; David Hyde Pierce as John Dean among many others. Taking a non-linear approach, the movie jumps back and forth between many different periods and events, from Nixon's strict upbringing at the hands of his Quaker mother, through the many peaks and valleys of his political career, to his downfall in the wake of the Watergate scandal. The facts of his life are blended with supposition and speculation to create a portrait that is often critical of the man's policies but displays an unexpected compassion toward his failings as a human being.The film is obviously thoughtful, well-researched and carefully modulated when presenting the late President,Richard Nixon as tries to paint him as a human being with flaws and the viewer gets a glimpse of both his persona and psyche.When viewing this film,thoughts of Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear come to mind as the viewer witness a ruler destroyed by his fatal flaws and weaknesses. Also,credit the great performances of the cast particularly Anthony Hopkins and Joan Allen as they elevate the film to a level of greatness not achieved by other films.And most of all,Nixon is the epic motion picture that delves into the inner sanctum of a tragic world leader, uncovering his greatest moments and his shattering demise in Watergate.
