Review of Nixon (1995) by Pat G — 24 Jul 2009

After seeing Frost/Nixon, I had to go back an rewatch Oliver Stone's Nixon for comparison. Nixon is a much broader picture, revealing details of Nixon's childhood that shaped his view of people and the world. Stone depicts Nixon, I believe accurately, as a deeply flawed individual. He was resentful and vindictive towards those that he believe from privileged backgrounds or otherwise given passes to the top. With every failure, the loss in 1960 to Kennedy and 1962 to Brown in California, Nixon is more jaded towards the press and the public that don't appreciate his hard work or love him. His self loathing drives him to take more extreme tactics to gain power, yet he never sees that has a flaw. He truly thinks he is doing what's best for the country.

The movie has great performances throughout. John Allen and Anthony Hopkins give Oscar nominations. Other standout include James Woods, J.T. Walsh, Paul Sorvino as Kissinger and David Hyde Pierce who is a ringer for the young John Dean. The writing is crisp and revealing, as material from the tapes were used. (See another contradiction as Nixon's Quaker background clashes with his profanity and slurs).

The direction is pure Stone. Quick angle cuts, change of film types and use of color and back and white, sometimes in mid-shot. While that was a distraction in other films - Natural Born Killers comes to mind - it works well here. Total of 5 Oscar nominations.

I normally place policy over character in evaluating votes for President. This film makes me think twice checking character more.