Nixon (1995)
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A complex and deeply flawed portrait of Richard Nixon explores the personal and political forces that shaped his rise and fall.
The story
Set against the backdrop of the Watergate scandal, the film follows the political and personal life of former U.S. President Richard Nixon. Beginning in December 1973, Nixon listens to audio tapes with his Chief of Staff, Alexander Haig, discussing the chaos surrounding the break-in. The narrative utilizes a series of flashbacks triggered by the taping system, exploring Nixon's childhood, his political career, and his complex relationships with key figures like Henry Kissinger. The film aims to provide a fuller understanding of the triumphs and tragedies of a man whose life was defined by both personal ambition and historical responsibility.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
The film opens in December 1973 as Richard Nixon listens to audio tapes with Chief of Staff Alexander Haig, discussing the Watergate scandal and the death of J. Edgar Hoover. Nixon's taping system triggers a series of flashbacks starting in June 1972, just after the Watergate break-in. The narrative explores Nixon's childhood, the death of his brothers from tuberculosis, and his heavy use of medications. It highlights his complex relationship with Henry Kissinger, debating whether he was a loyalist or a leaker. The film also suggests Nixon felt a sense of responsibility for the John F. Kennedy assassination, linking it to the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Key figures like H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Dean are depicted in their roles during the cover-up. The film portrays Nixon's health problems, including phlebitis and pneumonia, and his personal life with his wife. It concludes with Nixon's resignation and his departure from the White House on Army One, followed by real-life footage of his state funeral in Yorba Linda, California, showing various living ex-presidents and Bill Clinton in attendance.
- First release year
- 1995
- Runtime (minutes)
- 192
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English; Chinese; Russian
- Directors
- Oliver Stone
- Writers
- Stephen J. Rivele · writer; Christopher Wilkinson · writer; Oliver Stone · writer
- Cast and characters
- Anthony Hopkins · Richard Nixon; Joan Allen · Pat Nixon; Annabeth Gish · Julie Nixon Eisenhower; Marley Shelton · Tricia Nixon Cox; James Woods · H. R. Haldeman; J. T. Walsh · John Ehrlichman; Paul Sorvino · Henry Kissinger; Powers Boothe · General Alexander Haig
- Genres
- epic historical drama; biographical drama; docudrama; nonlinear narrative; political drama
- Themes
- Power and corruption; Legacy; Historical responsibility; Isolation; Tragedy
- Tone and mood
- Epic; Psychodrama; Complex; Dark
- Premise and plot tags
- Biopic; Political Thriller; Historical Drama; Watergate Scandal
- Source material / true-story basis
- Numerous public sources and an incomplete historical record
- Reception
- The film received generally favorable reviews from critics, particularly praising Anthony Hopkins' performance, though it was a significant box-office failure.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 76% · review count: 63 critics; Metacritic · score: 66 · review count: 22 reviews; CinemaScore · score: B · scale: A+ to F
- Awards and nominations
- Academy Award · Best Actor · Nominated; Academy Award · Best Supporting Actress · Nominated; Academy Award · Best Original Score · Nominated; Academy Award · Best Original Screenplay · Nominated
- Production trivia
- Oliver Stone leased the White House sets from Rob Reiner's film The American President.; Anthony Hopkins watched documentary footage of Nixon at night to let it seep into his subconscious.; The film was originally pitched to Warner Bros. but they rejected it as 'unattractive older white men sitting around in suits'.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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