Nixon

Nixon

Year: 1995

Runtime: 192 min

Language: English

Director: Oliver Stone

Budget: $44M

BiographyDrama

A complex and revealing portrait of Richard Nixon is presented, with Anthony Hopkins delivering a nuanced performance as the 37th President. The film explores his early life, personal relationships, and significant political achievements alongside devastating setbacks. It offers a non-linear look at his career, ultimately leading to the profound impact of the Watergate scandal and its aftermath, portraying a complicated figure with both strengths and flaws.

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Timeline & Setting – Nixon (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Nixon (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1972–1974

Set during the Nixon presidency in the early 1970s, the narrative centers on the Watergate break-in, the tape recordings, and the resignation. It also uses flashbacks triggered by Nixon's tape system to reveal his past and ascent to power.

Location

White House, Washington, D.C.; Yorba Linda, California

The White House in Washington, D.C. serves as the political nerve center where pivotal decisions and confrontations unfold during the Watergate era. The film also depicts moments tied to Nixon's departure on Army One from the White House lawn and the later state funeral in Yorba Linda, California. These settings underscore how the presidency extends from the Oval Office to national ritual.

🏛️ Political hub 🗺️ Washington D.C. 🏡 California

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:11

Main Characters – Nixon (1995)

Meet the key characters of Nixon (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Richard Nixon (Anthony Hopkins)

Former U.S. President Nixon navigates a crisis of legitimacy as the Watergate scandal unfolds. The portrayal emphasizes his mix of determination, paranoia, and private struggles, including health issues and heavy medication. The film hints at Nixon's perceived responsibility regarding events around the JFK assassination, alluded to through references to the Bay of Pigs invasion. The tapes become a tool to confront both public duty and private despair.

🏛️ Power 🧠 Paranoia 💊 Health 🗺️ Legacy

H. R. Haldeman

Nixon's longtime Chief of Staff, part of the inner circle that argues over strategy and secrecy. The film depicts the tension between loyalty to the President and the consequences of actions revealed by the tapes. He participates in critical discussions around the 'smoking gun' tape and the escalating Watergate crisis.

🏛️ Administration 🗣️ Loyalty 🧩 Power

John Ehrlichman

Nixon's top aide who grapples with leaks and the administration's handling of the Watergate crisis. The film traces his involvement in shaping responses and his struggle with loyalty versus accountability.

🗳️ Politics 🧭 Strategy 🧑‍💼 Advisers

John Dean

White House Counsel during the crisis, central to the unfolding revelations and the discussions surrounding the 'smoking gun' tape. His role highlights the tension between legal counsel and political expediency as the scandal deepens.

🧭 Law 🗝️ Secrets 🗣️ Testimony

Henry Kissinger

Prominent diplomat who features heavily in the film as National Security Adviser and Secretary of State. The narrative explores whether he is a loyal adviser or a leak-prone strategist, creating a rift between policy, reputation, and private information.

🌐 Diplomacy 🧠 Realpolitik 🗝️ Leaks

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:11

Major Themes – Nixon (1995)

Explore the central themes of Nixon (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏛️ Power

Power and its consequences drive the narrative: Nixon's authority is challenged by advisors, leaks, and the cover-up. The film shows how leadership can become entangled with paranoia and public image. The 'smoking gun' tape crystallizes the tension between private intent and public record, leading to Nixon's resignation.

🧭 Legacy

Legacy and image dominate Nixon's choices as he weighs how history will judge him. The drama probes loyalty—whether to the president, to the truth, or to a crafted narrative. Kissinger's role adds to the strain between policy, reputation, and information.

🕰️ Memory

The plot hinges on memory and documented fact, using tapes and flashbacks to blur lines between recollection and reality. The film invites questions about what history records and what individuals remember. It emphasizes how personal memory intersects with public history during a national crisis.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:11

Unlock the Full Story of Nixon

Don't stop at just watching — explore Nixon in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Nixon is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Nixon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Nixon, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Nixon Summary

Nixon Timeline

Track the full timeline of Nixon with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Nixon Timeline

More About Nixon

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