Nixon
Greatness within his grasp... Shattered by a dangerous web of conspiracy, betrayal and intrigue!
Anthony Hopkins electrifies the screen as Nixon in the acclaimed hit from controversial director Oliver Stone! Nominated for 4 Academy Awards®; Nixon takes a riveting look at a complex man whose chance at greatness was ultimately destroyed by his passion for power - when his involvement in conspiracy jeopardized the nation's security and the presidency of the United States! With a phenomenal all-star cast, featuring Ed Harris, James Woods and Joan Allen, Nixon is powerful motion picture entertainment you don't want to miss! Also included: exclusive never-before-seen footage, plus an Oliver Stone interview!
Member Reviews
Stone's Attempt at "Citizen Kane" - Ralston_McTodd
It's impossible to watch "Nixon" without seeing the parallels with Welles' masterpiece. The fragmented narrative, the self-reflexive camera techniques, the portrait of a power-mad love-hungry icon are all suggestive. There's more, too, and some academic will doubtless write a paper if it hasn't been written already. Judged against "Kane" of course "Nixon" falls short. But once the resonances start penetrating, this film becomes a sequel to that earlier portrait of power. The American Character--if such a thing exists--is really at the heart of this film. Forget whether or not you hate the real Nixon and revel in Hopkins' portrayal of the cinematic one.Hugely powerful despite many egregious faults - Zanna
I am not an unqualified fan of Oliver Stone because he requires his viewers to draw inferences which are not even suggested, let alone supported by the facts. In "Nixon", as in "JFK", Stone's conspiratorial paranoia runs riot. For example, in this movie, he repeatedly hints that Richard Nixon was somehow involved in the Kennedy assassination plot--absurd and insulting. In an opening statement, Stone says that "Nixon" is an "incomplete record" and that some scenes are composites and others have been "hypothesized". Indeed, "invented" would be nearer the mark. The cutting is infuriating, jumping back and forward in time from the 1920's to the 50s, from the 40s to the 70s, 30s to the 60s etc. Also, there are some deeply embarassing scenes, either because they are too maudlin or excessively histrionic.
But despite this film's many egregious faults, it is a hugely powerful movie which commands serious attention.
Anthony Hopkin's title peformance is a towering, almost mesmeric tour de force of extraordinary physicality and explosive talent. One can easily believe this to have beem the hardest work Hopkins has ever done. Since he is in almost every scene, his shooting schedule ( 12+ hour days for well over two months) must have been punishing. Nixon is not my favourite of his performances ( I think "Remains of the Day" and "The Bounty" are better), but because Nixon was clearly his greatest challenge, I think it is also his great accomplishment. One realizes just how great an accomplishment it was when one considers that he had to do months of research and line-learning while trying to master an accent which did not come naturally to him.
The supporting cast is generally very strong, especially James Woods as Robert Haldeman.
Whatever bad things one can say about this movie, it is a classic and deserves to be watched. And rewatched.Completely Compelling Hopkins - bobanna
This film soars on the incomparable talent of Anthony Hopkins. I’m not an especially avid fan of political dramas or biopics, but Stone’s film resonates on a much more profound plain of emotional impact and historical speculation. Hopkins portrayal is something you’ll be hard-pressed to pull your eyes away from. In spite of his physical differences to the President he portrays, Hopkins IS Nixon. If you’re looking for something akin to a documentary, this won’t be the film for you, but if you’re open to nuances and artistic interpretation, you will undoubtedly appreciate Stone’s bold take on events, even if he leans a bit too close toward conspiracy theories. See this film for Hopkin’s performance, if not for anything else.
Member Reviews
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Stone's Attempt at "Citizen Kane" - Ralston_McTodd
It's impossible to watch "Nixon" without seeing the parallels with Welles' masterpiece. The fragmented narrative, the self-reflexive camera techniques, the portrait of a power-mad love-hungry icon are all suggestive. There's more, too, and some academic will ...Hugely powerful despite many egregious faults - Zanna
I am not an unqualified fan of Oliver Stone because he requires his viewers to draw inferences which are not even suggested, let alone supported by the facts. In "Nixon", as in "JFK", Stone's conspiratorial paranoia runs riot. For example, in this movie, he ...Completely Compelling Hopkins - bobanna
This film soars on the incomparable talent of Anthony Hopkins. I’m not an especially avid fan of political dramas or biopics, but Stone’s film resonates on a much more profound plain of emotional impact and historical speculation. Hopkins portrayal is something ...