Review of Nixon (1995) by Nathan H — 13 Dec 2008
A bit long (as is the case with all Oliver Stone films), but the decision to mirror the structure of "Citizen Kane" and frame this film as a tragedy was an incredible choice. Artistically, I appreciated this film, and I thought it was an interesting take on the political life of Richard Nixon, but "Nixon" lacked the urgency of Stone's other great films ("Wall Street," "Platoon," "JFK") where you got the feeling that he had something to say, and he had to say it right now, and you had to listen.
"Nixon" just felt like, instead, like Oliver Stone's artistic obligation, an interesting exercise that he'd envisioned for himself, but also one with no burning message. It's a nice movie, and it looks great, but I didn't feel as if it had much of a soul.
And while there were a handful of great performances here, too, Anthony Hopkins just never looked like Richard Nixon to me. I just kept thinking: "Why would anyone put Hannibal Lecter in the White House?" Great actor, but terrible likeness.
This review of Nixon (1995) was written by Nathan H on 13 Dec 2008.
Nixon has generally received positive reviews.
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