Nixon . Tucson Weekly . 12-21-95

Nixon

DIRECTED BY: Oliver Stone

REVIEWED: 12-21-95

Oliver Stone is obviously obsessed with the Vietnam era, and like most obsessed artists, his work is both fascinating and disgustingly self-absorbed--much like Richard Nixon himself. This dense, information-packed epic will be most rewarding to those already familiar with the facts; otherwise, the barrage of exposition can snow you under. It doesn't matter much if you miss some plot points though, since Nixon is more of a character study than a narrative. Luckily, Anthony Hopkins is just perfect--alternately charismatic and repulsive as our self-pitying, sweaty, 37th President. There are tons of nice little touches, like the glances the cabinet members give each other behind the President's back as he rants, the crisp period sets, and references to that great film about the corrosive effects of power, Citizen Kane. Also, there are tons of stupid touches, like gratuitous MTV-style effects and the sentimental revelation that even the Prince of Darkness was once a poor little boy. What's next Mr. Stone? A film called Ford?

--Stacey Richter

Other Films by Oliver Stone
Any Given Sunday
JFK
U-Turn

Film Vault Suggested Links
Elizabeth
The Last Temptation of Christ
The People vs. Larry Flynt

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