Great film. Fantastic acting mainly from Anthony Hopkins, but with an excellent supporting cast. Oliver Stone is allowed a little scope in introducing some scenes that probably did not take place, but the main body of the film is linked to the history of Nixon and his era. When I watched Hopkins on the screen it was Nixon in front of me and not the actor, no mean feat bearing in mind his subject was known to millions. Yet you felt that it was Nixon and that you were there in the White House with him and his cronies, or watching his relationship with wife Pat, played beautifully by Joan Allen, slowly deteriorate.
I thought the flashbacks throughout the film to his earlier life worked well, as they brought out a caring and even romantic side to Nixon that seemed to disappear in his later years as a very combative politician.
Although Oliver Stone had his critics, I thought politically the balance was fair enough and I speak as someone who credits Nixon with playing a large part if the ending of the Cold War.
It may be better to know a little bit about this era, politically, before watching this film or it may not make that much sense. So why not read a book about Nixon first. Afterwards you can decide what was fact and what was in Oliver Stone's mind for the rest. Either way it made for excellent viewing and also some reflection on the man and his times after it was finished.
I thought the flashbacks throughout the film to his earlier life worked well, as they brought out a caring and even romantic side to Nixon that seemed to disappear in his later years as a very combative politician.
Although Oliver Stone had his critics, I thought politically the balance was fair enough and I speak as someone who credits Nixon with playing a large part if the ending of the Cold War.
It may be better to know a little bit about this era, politically, before watching this film or it may not make that much sense. So why not read a book about Nixon first. Afterwards you can decide what was fact and what was in Oliver Stone's mind for the rest. Either way it made for excellent viewing and also some reflection on the man and his times after it was finished.