Cast
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Anthony Hopkins
as Richard Nixon
Joan Allen
as Pat Nixon
Powers Boothe
as Alexander Haig
Ed Harris
as E. Howard Hunt
Bob Hoskins
as J. Edgar Hoover
E.G. Marshall
as John Mitchell
David Paymer
as Ron Ziegler
David Hyde Pierce
as John Dean
Paul Sorvino
as Henry Kissinger
Mary Steenburgen
as Hannah Nixon
J. T. Walsh
as John Ehrlichman
James Woods
as H.R. Haldeman
Brian Bedford
as Clyde Tolson
Kevin Dunn
as Charles Colson
Fyvush Finkel
as Murray Chotiner
Crew
Director
- Oliver Stone
Producer
- Oliver Stone
- Clayton Townsend
- Andrew G. Vajna
Reviews
GenerationofSwine
Wow, this was a pretty fair movie wasn't it? And it came from Oliver Stone. One would almost expect it to be a paranoid mess, but it was done pretty well.
Hopkins did a great job too... except maybe looking a little too old for the role, but he captured a lot of Nixon's mannerisms, a lot of how he spoke and moved. It was far from uncanny, but he really did nail the essence of the character and that is almost better than cloning him.
Joan Allen fails though. She doesn't exactly ape Pat as well as she could and you are left with the impression that she doesn't understand who she was depicting.
And then you have little hints at the Kennedy assassination conspiracy theories and, even though I supported them, I don't think that they had a place in a movie about Nixon. They felt alien and X-Files and you are left doubting that said conversation ever took place.
Aside from all of that, though, this seems like a great film that was fairly done, about someone that it would have been far too easy to stereotype as a drooling monster. Stone humanized him, and that took heart and talent.
Jan 12, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Nixon examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Oliver Stone brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1995, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Nixon took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $44.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 192 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 232 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 67 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1554 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1995, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Nixon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike In the Name of the Father, which focuses more on action than character development, Nixon subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Reader and 21 explore similar territory, Nixon stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 22, 1995
- Runtime: 3h 12m
- Budget: $44,000,000
- Revenue: $13,681,765
