“Frost/Nixon”, 2008
Director: Ron Howard
Directed by Ron Howard, this historical drama is based on the 2007 play by Peter Morgan and chronicles the series of televised interviews that David Frost conducted with Richard Nixon in 1977. Michael Sheen plays Frost, and Frank Langella portrays Nixon, in a compelling narrative that explores the tension and eventual confession about the Watergate scandal.
Starring: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Sam Rockwell, Kevin Bacon, Matthew Macfadyen, Oliver Platt, Rebecca Hall, Toby Jones, Andy Milder, Kate Jennings Grant;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
“Secret Honor”, 1984
Director: Robert Altman
A unique take on Richard Nixon, directed by Robert Altman, this film is a one-man show starring Philip Baker Hall as Nixon in a fictional monologue that blends fact with speculation. Set in his New Jersey home, Nixon reflects on his life, career, and the Watergate scandal, revealing the complexities of his character.
Starring: Philip Baker Hall;
Production year: 1984;
Genre: drama, comedy, biography, history;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Secret Honor” on the website imdb.com
“Dick”, 1999
Director: Andrew Fleming
This comedy film offers a satirical take on the Watergate scandal. Directed by Andrew Fleming, it stars Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams as two teenagers who accidentally get caught up in the political intrigue. While it plays fast and loose with historical accuracy, Richard Nixon, played by Dan Hedaya, is depicted in a less flattering light, blending real events with humor.
Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Michelle Williams, Dan Hedaya, Will Ferrell, Bruce McCulloch, Teri Garr, Dave Foley, Jim Breuer, Ana Gasteyer, Harry Shearer;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “Dick” on the website imdb.com
“The Post”, 2017
Director: Steven Spielberg
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film focuses on The Washington Post's efforts to publish the Pentagon Papers. Although not directly about Nixon, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks star in a narrative that crucially frames Nixon's adversarial stance towards the press and highlights his administration’s attempt to suppress the explosive documents detailing the United States' involvement in Vietnam.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, Bruce Greenwood, Matthew Rhys, Alison Brie, Carrie Coon;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: thriller, drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Post” on the website imdb.com
These films, each in their own way, help piece together a multifaceted view of Richard Nixon’s political life, personal troubles, and the enduring impact of his presidency on American history.
In summing up the myriad films about Richard Nixon, it is evident that the 37th President of the United States provides a complex and fascinating canvas for filmmakers. Whether exploring the depths of the Watergate scandal, his political machinations, or his personal struggles and triumphs, Nixon remains a figure of immense intrigue. Through a mix of dramatization, documentary, and speculative fiction, these films invite audiences into the labyrinthine corridors of power, ambition, and the human psyche. They not only delve into the historical and political impact of Nixon’s presidency but also probe the timeless themes of leadership, morality, and the often-blurry line between right and wrong. As history continues to unfold, the portrayal of Richard Nixon in film serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of cinema in understanding our past, interrogating our present, and imagining our future.
