Secret Honor
Sequestered in his home, a disgraced President Richard Millhouse Nixon arms himself with a bottle of Scotch and a gun to record memoirs that no one will hear. Surrounded by the silent portraits of Lincoln, Eisenhower, Kissinger, and his mother, Nixon resurrects his past in a passionate attempt to reconcile his failed political career. Based on the original play by Donald Freed and Arnold M. Stone, and starring Philip Baker Hall in a tour de force solo performance, Robert Altman’s Secret Honor is a searing interrogation of the Nixon mystique and an audacious depiction of unchecked paranoia.
Member Reviews
One Act Monologue - JA_Miss
The acting in this play is excellent, but the lack of action is really a detriment especially when the material is not current.
I couldn't stay awake or maintain any interest in what was being revealed. It was interesting that Nixon died an embittered loser, who felt he was used by forces over which he had no control.
It is possible to be the most powerful person in the most powerful country in the world and still feel like a loser because he was weak and therefore easily corrupted.An intersting film - The_Librarian
This is an interesting film about Richard Nixon. It is not a docu-drama but rather a testimonial (this did not actually happen) of Nixon explaining himself (it works as much as some contemporary tragedy as much as a disection of a famous historical figure). It is a one man film (Phillip Baker Hall is amazing carrying the whole film) and unlike many other one man films this does not feel too talky or theatrical. The only problem I had with this film is that it is hard to follow what is going on or whom Nixon is talking about if you do not know American history (circa 1970's). The film includes a few interesting film clips of Nixon including the famous checkers speech.Tour-de-force! - Konigsberg
This is a fascinating performance from Phillip Baker Hall. Taken from a stage play, it's easy to imagine how interesting it would have been, and I think it's just as interesting here. A drunk raving Nixon confessing his sins and coming to grips with his life? It's pretty good about not codemning him, but not excusing him either. The film moves along at a nice pace considered it's the ultimate chamber piece. It's interesting that Hall never got as Oscar nod for this performance. Quite amazing. Check it out if you like politcal Altman!
Member Reviews
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One Act Monologue - JA_Miss
The acting in this play is excellent, but the lack of action is really a detriment especially when the material is not current.
I couldn't stay awake or maintain any interest in what was being revealed. It was interesting that Nixon died an embittered ...An intersting film - The_Librarian
This is an interesting film about Richard Nixon. It is not a docu-drama but rather a testimonial (this did not actually happen) of Nixon explaining himself (it works as much as some contemporary tragedy as much as a disection of a famous historical figure). ...Tour-de-force! - Konigsberg
This is a fascinating performance from Phillip Baker Hall. Taken from a stage play, it's easy to imagine how interesting it would have been, and I think it's just as interesting here. A drunk raving Nixon confessing his sins and coming to grips with his ...