The film All The Presidents Men, released 50 years ago in 1976 has been widely regarded as one of the most accurate depictions of investigative journalism in the history of American film. The film was not an action driven film, but praised for its commitment to realism and accurate storytelling. Even today, the film serves as a historical piece that reminds people of what disciplined journalism can lead to.
The atmosphere in which the movie takes place is methodically controlled. The film’s director Alan J. Pakula stated in DGA’s action magazine in 1976 that he wanted to make the offices of the Washington Post feel like they really were running, keeping the environment busy, yet focused. The use of lighting and spacing in the offices also play a very subtly crucial role in the mood, creating a sense of scale, and making large bustling offices feel confining. Unlike modern films with constant action cuts, the film allows for tension to build up gradually, which creates a sense of tension rather than moments of excitement.
Performances are also a standout strength. Both Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman were in the primes of their acting careers, and their depictions of journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein are a testament to how professionally made this film was. Their interactions are both balanced and believable showing how they emphasized realism over dramatics. And their differences in personalities are just obvious enough that it’s easy for the audience to follow their partnership to develop as the investigation continues. Rather than just relying on major plot points, the film focuses more on the small in between scenes to hook viewers.
The plot itself is centered around uncovering the Watergate Scandal, but it manages to do so without boring the audience with every discovery. Rather, the film focuses on the few major breakthroughs that occur throughout the investigation while also providing viewers with an understanding of how hard investigative journalism is done.
What many people don’t realize is that the movie All The Presidents Men was actually based primarily on the writings of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein in their book. That is why the sound pacing done throughout the movie was so crucial. The use of natural sounds including footsteps, typewriters, and background conversations all contribute to making the atmosphere feel more real, and really bringing the film to life. The pacing, like the investigation, is also steady and deliberate. All of these components create a suspenseful, not dramatic movie that not only runs smoothly, but also manages to feel realistic.
From a historical perspective, the movie represents a time when journalism really gave more power to the people, and was able to hold people in power accountable for their actions. At the time of its release, the events of the Watergate Scandal were still prominent within the public, coming out only five years after the incident. And in a modern era where information is so widespread and immediate, the film’s focus on credibility feels particularly significant as well.
General opinions of the movie have remained consistently strong throughout the film’s 50 year lifespan. At the time of its release, critics favored its emphasis on realism and dedication to storytelling, often highlighting the screenplay done by William Goldman and overall acting. The film even won four separate Oscars for best supporting actor, best adapted screenplay, best art direction, and best sound. However in more recent years critics have seen the film as a historical benchmark for journalistic cinema, noting how themes of accountability still remain relevant to this day. While some current audiences may find the movie to be slower than modern films, most critics claim that this was a choice rather than a flaw.
Despite all of the positive reviews, there are some minor weaknesses in the film. For one thing, the movie’s hard focus on the investigative process may not appeal to viewers with a taste for more variety in storytelling. And the lack of any highly dramatic moments almost make the film feel repetitive throughout. However, these issues do not take away from the quality of the film, they just may affect how modern audiences may perceive it.
Overall, All The Presidents Men continues to succeed due to its emphasis on the fundamentals of investigative journalism. It presents a clear story, and is only strengthened by the strong acting performances. The discipline presented in the film is a key reason for why it still remains relevant even decades later. Even 50 years after its original release, the film stands out as a reliable and well executed example of the genre. A solid four star film.
