Review of All the President's Men (1976) by Dan L — 24 Aug 2015

For the past couple months I've been obsessed with the 70's. Nixon and Watergate especially. Thanks to the tapes, I've heard Nixon's side of the story. His paranoia and his vindictive attacks on his perceived enemies by abusing his power are astounding to listen to. He was a criminal President who didn't hesitate to use government agencies to exact revenge and spy on civilians. Craziest of all, this could have all stayed a secret from the nation. Nixon had been getting away with his tax fraud and surveillance for years before Watergate exposed him. We only know all this stuff now because of the journalists who doggedly pursued what seemed like a minor story to begin with. Well, this movie is their story.

It isn't a documentary. It's a fast-paced drama with some editorial freedoms, but to see a movie released only a few years after the scandal tell the other side of the story is incredible! It's very well done. And it's "period feel" is authentic, which gives it a "glimpse into the past" feel. Overall, the story ends a little early for my tastes, but they did capture a great amount of the excitement around uncovering the Watergate scandal. I would have included more of the court events, like releasing the tapes, but the movie is great as-is. I'd watch it again.

Also, Redford is so very easy on the eyes. That doesn't hurt!