Where to watch Nixon
3 1/2 Stars
Writer, Producer, and Director Oliver Stone’s exploration of former President Richard Nixon’s strict Quaker upbringing, his nascent political strivings in law school, and his strangely self-effacing courtship of his wife, Pat (Joan Allen). The contradictions in his character are revealed early, in the vicious campaign against Helen Gahagan Douglas and the oddly masochistic Checkers speech. His defeat at the hands of the hated and envied John F. Kennedy in the 1960 presidential election, followed by the loss of the 1962 California gubernatorial race, seem to signal the end of his career. Yet, although wholly lacking in charisma, Nixon remains a brilliant political operator, seizing the opportunity provided by the backlash against the antiwar movement to take the Presidency in 1968. It is only when safely in office, running far ahead in the polls for the 1972 Presidential election, that his growing paranoia comes to full flower, triggering the Watergate scandal.
Oliver Stone’s Nixon lacks the intense watchability of his earlier presidential biopic, JFK. However, it employs a similar visual style that Stone is known for. Using a variety of film stocks and editing techniques, *Nixon* feels vibrant in a way that is characteristic of his work and often absent from other films. Notably, the childhood segment is shot entirely in elegant black and white, highlighting the minimalist aspects of Nixon’s modest upbringing, which sharply contrasts with the colorful period set design of the 1960s and 70s.
The film’s portrayal of the small-town lawyer-turned-senator, who ran for president three times before finally winning, is executed with remarkable skill by the talented Anthony Hopkins. At first glance, the Welsh actor may not seem like the obvious choice to play the 37th president, but he ultimately proves to be the perfect selection. Hopkins and Stone create moments of levity, outrage, and empathy for one of the most notorious figures and events in American political history.
The first hour of the film delves into the roots of young Richard Milhous Nixon as he navigates the political landscape and his involvement with McCarthyism. One of the most compelling aspects of this section is the subtle tension and insecurities between the hardworking, often overlooked Nixon and the seemingly perfect John Kennedy.
The middle hour focuses primarily on the lead-up to the presidential election and the onset of the Vietnam War. This segment features a captivating (though fictional) scene in which Nixon engages with a group of anti-war protestors at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial. The final hour of this expansive narrative revolves around the escalating Watergate scandal.
Nixon is a monumental achievement. Anthony Hopkins delivers a stunning portrayal of the title character. His performance is mesmerizing and exemplifies the exceptional acting displayed throughout this distinguished ensemble cast. Nearly every speaking role is filled by a well-known actor, helping to clarify characters and events as they become more complex. It is challenging to fully grasp Stone’s perspective on Nixon. This is a man who opened trade with China, ended the Vietnam War, and made peace with Russia, yet his legacy was overshadowed by a botched burglary. It is a uniquely tragic American story, and both Stone and Hopkins rise to the monumental challenge of bringing it to life.
Directed by: Oliver Stone
Written by: Stephen J. Rivele, Christopher Wilkinson, Oliver Stone
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Joan Allen, Powers Boothe