On this date in American History, the U.S. Senate began its televised hearings on the Watergate Scandal.
Wikipedia.org Article on the Watergate Scandal:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watergate_scandal
So, let's check out the best film that most represents what that time was like. Also, enjoy this very informative video that Chris made for your enjoyment, as we count ..........
... All The President's Men (1976)
Run Time: 138 mins
Genre: Drama, Historic, Biopic
Format: Widecscreen Format, Color
Director: Alan J. Pakula
Starring: Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, Hal Holbrook, Jason Robards and Jane Alexander
IMDB.com Entry for the Film:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074119/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Wikipedia.org Article for Alan J. Pakula:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_J._Pakula
Wikipedia.org Article on the book All The President's Men (1974) by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_the_President%27s_Men
Find the link to Robert Redford's Wikipedia.org Article from our The Sting (1973) Post:
http://film366.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-sting-1973.html
Find the link to Dustin Hoffman's Wikipedia.org Article from our Stranger Than Fiction (2006) Post:
http://film366.blogspot.com/2016/04/stranger-than-fiction-2006.html
Wikipedia.org Article for Jack Warden:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Warden
Wikipedia.org Article for Martin Balsam:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Balsam
Wikipedia.org Article for Jason Robards:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Robards
Wikipedia.org Article for Jane Alexander:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Alexander
Find the link to Hal Holbrook's Wikipedia.org Article from our Lincoln (2012) Post:
http://film366.blogspot.com/2016/02/lincoln-2012.html
Trailer for the Film on YouTube:
It is kind of interesting to see a movie 40 years after it was released, chronicling certain historical circumstances that have actually been cleared up or have come to an end today, that wasn’t clear back in 1976, meaning, we now know that Deep Throat was at the time Deputy Director of the FBI William Mark Felt played by Hal Holbrook. Today, we know the end of the story, but when watching this film, we do not. It is also funny seeing Hollywood heart-throbs Redford and Hoffman as Woodward and Bernstein, but what the hell. I also saw, what I see in many Hollywood films, art imitating life, life imitating art and the parallels between today’s headlines and yesterday’s headlines. Funny, how one of the convicted, the then Chief Counsel to President Nixon, Chuck Colson, also has his sticky fingers involved with some of the questionable tactics of the current Republican Administration, but that is for other discussions. This is all about the movie. The articulate exploration, by the director, Alan J. Pakula, showing us the intricate ways that investigative journalism feels out a story, is top notch. It clearly told us the story and conveyed the dedication that Woodward and Bernstein had in this place in history and the best example of that, is the scene where we watch Redford walk all the way back to the offices of the Washington Post after another one of his gripping meetings with Deep Throat. My favorite scene is when Redford claims to be a Republican and the response from Hoffman is hilarious. I also enjoyed the cameos by Meredith Baxter and Stephen Collins. What we have is a very gripping and very interesting film. - Phil
Number 97 on my personal favorite Top 100 films, Alan J. Pakula’s masterpiece is brilliant filmmaking since it transcends a phenomenal novel. While it’s debatable that “the book was much better”, I side with the film. The book – astounding. The film – astounding and then some, as it creates the drama, intensity and even humor in one of the most incredible scandals of our time. That’s right – this is a true story! For those too young to understand what all the fuss about Robert Redford was, ATPM is only half the equation. Already a sexpot when the film came out, Redford’s performance in ATPM showcases his ability to portray the “thinking man” and look good while doing it. And, Hoffman. Jeez. He’s amazing. How did such a mousy little guy become so mesmerizing? His portrayal of the ultimate reporter filled with book smarts, street smarts, raw ambition, humor and willingness to do the right thing is simply magnetic. When I first saw this film around age 10, I didn’t understand most of it – but knew I wanted to pursue writing as a career (and learn how to smoke). I would revisit this film time and time again and, like all A+ films, ATPM is one flick I cannot pass up when airing on WHYY. Simply put, the best film 1976 has to offer. - Chris
The Watergate Scandal: Timeline and Background from Mojo.com on YouTube:
About 10 years ago myself and a bunch of friends had a movie club and we did the year 1976 and All The President's Men (1976) was on the list. Here were some of those responses.
Not many movies can give you nearly two hours of mostly dialogue and still keep you interested. No, this is no action flick. But, along the lines of 12 Angry Men and GlenGarry Glen Ross, this film provides characters with depth and credibility. Purposely allowing flubbed lines and noisy backgrounds gave realism to the lives of these two sleepless reporters. The first half of the film was replete with wide static shots that seemed to go on for minutes. This created a slow pace that paralleled the difficulty in Woodward and Bernstein’s ability to achieve the information they needed. Later in the flick we find more movement in the camera, building tension as they get closer to the truth about these criminal politicians. The weariness of these two reporters was infectious and I felt that I was right beside them getting doors slammed in my face. The actual footage of Nixon, Agnew, etc. throughout the movie was used perfectly. Redford and Hoffman were excellent, as well as all the supporting cast. Very believable film. Almost like it actually happened. Oh yea, it did! And thirty years later, we still can’t trust these damn politicians!! - Grade: A-
Brad Green:
The momentum of this newsroom thriller never lets up- quite an accomplishment given its political basis and the fact that the antagonist is never actually portrayed on screen. Not the first government conspiracy thriller, and far, far from the last- All The President’s Men may well be the best thing to result from the Nixon Administration this side of China. Clocking in at over two hours, I could easily have loaded up on popcorn for four more. Hoffman and Redford are (obviously) excellent as the reporters who broke the Watergate scandal. And how about that Jason Robards? Huge fan here. - Grade: A
Ross Brakman:
The story in this movie would be pretty scary if it were actually true. Fortunately, politicians aren't corrupt, so this could never happen in America. It's a well-crafted film. Considering how amazingly complicated the whole thing is, and how difficult it is to follow who's who, who's doing what and everything else, it is somewhat enlightening on the whole stupid affair. This Watergate thing. Considering also that the film involves no real action, and the danger Woodward and Bernstein feel is never realized, it does create a sense of immediacy to it. It is clearly a superior film. The one element of it that drops it down from an "A" rating is the ending. They spend over two hours building a case, finding reliable testimonies and then "Wham!" Nixon gets sworn in for his second term, and information comes over the wire. It felt like half a movie. I wouldn't have asked for a "1900" length film or anything, but at least something more. But I guess that's what makes for a good film, always wanting more.... - Grade: B+
ABC News - Dark Days at the White House: The Watergate Scandal on YouTube:
Russ Fama:
Life before computers - now that was work...The seductive cadence of typewriters... Effective close up revealing the fibrous paper purchase impregnated with ink is a compelling introduction to the film. Nixon's indelible facial features and mannerisms were a cartoonist's dream come true. Nice art touch with the Richard Lindner print in Jack Warden's office! Also notice the numerous JFK photos in the background decoration. fyi: L66 Frank Sturgis (AKA Frank Fiorini) was one of the "Three Tramps" photographed at Dealy plaza in Dallas 11/22/63. Some believe he was one of the gunmen who assassinated JFK. Howard Hunt was also allegedly one of the "Three Tramps" in Dallas that day. In addition on 11/22/63 Richard M. Nixon was attending a Coca Cola Bottling convention in Dallas Texas... Gerald Ford served on the Warren Commission in 1964 and later Pardoned Nixon... Best Line: "If you got em by the balls their hearts and minds will follow." Sounds like a present day strategy... Redford in parking lot with Holbrook could possibly be the birth of the X Files infatuation with Moulder and Cancer Man. Which borrowed from Sutherland's association with "Mr. X" in Oliver Stone's JFK. - Grade: B+
Jennifer Congleton:
This movie has so many cool elements. The Watergate scandal is brought to life using the perspective of two young and ambitious Washington Post reporters. Redford and Hoffman are awesome, playing characters who, while sharing a common job and goal, are very different. I love all the 70s stuff, typewriters, smoking inside, corduroy, luxurious hair on men. It's like the Watergate thing is only half the history lesson. - Grade: B
Click the link below at GoWatchIt.com to see where you can stream or watch All The President's Men (1976) online or on TV right now:
https://gowatchit.com/watch/movies/all-the-president-s-men-44968
Or check out TVGuide.com to see if this film is playing on TV/Cable in your area:
http://www.tvguide.com/movies/all-the-presidents-men/112343/
Check back in tomorrow ....................
For our next Film of the Day .....................
No comments:
Post a Comment