Nixon is a
1995 American biographical film directed by
Oliver Stone for
Cinergi Pictures that tells the story of the political and personal life of former
US President Richard Nixon, played by
Anthony Hopkins. The film portrays Nixon as a complex and, in many respects, an admirable person, though deeply flawed. Unlike Stone's earlier film
JFK,
Nixon begins with a disclaimer that the film is "an attempt to understand the truth [...] based on numerous public sources and on an incomplete historical record".
Plot
The film covers all aspects of Nixon's life as a composite of actual events. It depicts his childhood in
Whittier, California, as well as his growth as a young man,
football fan and player, and suitor to his eventual wife,
Pat Ryan. It fully explores most of the important events of his presidency, including his downfall due to abuse of executive power in the
White House.