Anthony Hopkins’ acclaimed performance in Nixon political drama is drawing renewed attention as the Oliver Stone-directed film begins streaming on Prime Video in the U.S. The movie, which presents a complex look at the life and downfall of President Richard Nixon, showcases Stone’s bold filmmaking and Hopkins’ remarkable interpretation of the controversial leader.
Oliver Stone’s Unconventional Approach to Nixon’s Story
Oliver Stone, known for tackling divisive subjects in films such as Salvador, The Doors, and Platoon, returned to the turbulent political landscape with Nixon. Unlike a straightforward biography, Stone crafts the film with a narrative that moves between pivotal chapters in Nixon’s life, rather than following a traditional timeline. This creative structure allows the audience to explore the difficult relationship the president had with the truth and the complexities of his motivations for power.
Nixon’s troubled political journey is at the heart of the movie, exposing how his lies during the Watergate scandal led to his historic resignation from office. Hopkins’ portrayal reveals Nixon as a deeply conflicted figure haunted by personal loss, feelings of inferiority compared to rivals like John F. Kennedy, and the shadows cast by earlier traumas within his family. The beginning of the film presents Nixon struggling to retain his grip on the presidency, depicted through tense exchanges with his Chief of Staff, H. R. Haldeman, played by James Woods.
The film explores Nixon’s youth, including his strained relationship with his mother, portrayed by Mary Steenburgen, suggesting that early adversity shaped the man he became. His sense that he truly represented the American people contrasts with his perception of being consistently outshined, especially after losing the 1960 presidential election to Kennedy. These events contribute to a portrait of a driven but often isolated leader, striving for acceptance and legacy.
Hopkins’ Performance Garners High Praise from Critics
Critical response to Hopkins’ lead role was overwhelmingly positive, particularly from renowned critic Roger Ebert, who assessed the performance as something far deeper than mere impersonation. Ebert highlighted Hopkins’ ability to create a full and complex human being in his portrayal of Nixon and not just mimic the public figure, stating,
“a deep, resonant performance that creates a man instead of imitating an image.”
—Roger Ebert, Film Critic
Stone’s film does not shy away from exposing Nixon’s darker impulses, including attempts to deflect responsibility for the Watergate break-in onto others within his own party. Yet, the story also reveals glimpses of chivalry in the character, underscoring the internal conflict that defined Nixon’s choices. The legacy of another president, Lyndon B. Johnson, looms large, with Nixon contrasted as a leader desperate to avoid being remembered as the first U.S. president to lose a war, referencing American involvement in Vietnam. These emotional and political struggles are depicted powerfully in a scene where Nixon speaks with student protestors beneath the statue of Abraham Lincoln, echoing a cinematic homage to Jefferson Smith, the idealistic senator portrayed by James Stewart in Smith Goes to Washington.
The film’s narrative is punctuated by striking moments, as highlighted by Roger Ebert’s evocative assessment of Stone’s directorial approach, which was
“flavored by the greatest biography in American film history, Citizen Kane.”
—Roger Ebert, Film Critic
Comparisons to ‘Citizen Kane’ and Thematic Depth
Citizen Kane, a frequent touchstone for cinematic excellence, is referenced by Ebert to underline Stone’s achievement in dissecting Nixon’s character. The film draws parallels between Nixon and Charles Foster Kane—both depicted as outsiders who achieve influence by constructing powerful but fragile personas. In the end, both are undone by their ambitions and egos: where Kane’s longing for lost innocence is encapsulated in the famous “Rosebud” motif, Nixon’s obsession with personal legacy is laid bare by the recordings that ultimately contribute to his downfall.
The Film’s Contemporary Relevance and Enduring Impact
Nixon’s relevance persists decades after its release, as it explores themes of unchecked ambition, paranoia, and the dangerous consequences of self-serving leadership at the highest level of American government. The movie confronts difficult moments such as the speculative discussion among Nixon, Haldeman, and Domestic Affairs Advisor John Ehrlichman, played by J.T. Walsh, about how contesting presidential election results could spark a potential civil war.
Even though Stone’s film was considered inflammatory and provocative when it debuted, its themes continue to resonate in the current political climate, with the story’s focus on the pitfalls of power and the nature of public trust. As the film illustrates through its tense group scenes and emotional explorations, the lessons of Nixon’s experiences reverberate in ongoing debates about leadership within the White House.
Now that Nixon is available to stream, audiences have the chance to revisit this thought-provoking political drama and witness Anthony Hopkins’ acclaimed performance in Nixon political drama, alongside key supporting actors such as Joan Allen as Pat Nixon, Powers Boothe as Alexander Haig, Ed Harris as E. Howard Hunt, James Woods as H. R. Haldeman, Mary Steenburgen as Nixon’s mother, and J.T. Walsh as John Ehrlichman.
As new viewers and returning fans alike engage with Stone’s depiction of a presidency marked by scandal and ambition, Nixon stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring complexities and risks of American political life.
