Review of Nixon (1995) by Willem W — 29 Nov 2007
Stone's sympathetic look at Richard Nixon, one of American Politics most interesting and divisive figures. Looking past the rhetoric, he paints a picture of a deeply flawed man who aimed for greatness, reached it, and then tumbled.
Hopkins captures the hollow core of insecurity and vanity that drove Nixon to keep pushing until the levee broke. Like all of Stone's films, it aims for the big themes, not the minutia of facts. Frankly, considering his humble beginnings, and the fact that he was never part of "the Establishment", Nixon's triumphs are pretty spectacular.
Say what you will about the man, he opened the doors to China. The thing I like about Stone is his worldview always borders on the Mythic, the Tragic, the Shakespearian. He's often criticized for not sticking to the facts.
Facts are for reporters, not artists. This is a fascinating film, and viewed along with Stone's other work reveals a powerful evocation of a time of major change in the United States.
This review of Nixon (1995) was written by Willem W on 29 Nov 2007.
Nixon has generally received positive reviews.
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