In office from 1969 to 1974, US President Richard Nixon has been portrayed in various films and documentaries, each of which provides different perspectives on his life and presidency.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Watergate break-in, the events surrounding which came to define the Nixon era. So, here are five fact-based films which offer insights into Nixon’s accomplishments and the controversies surrounding his time in office.

1. Nixon (1995)

Directed by Oliver Stone, this biographical film stars Anthony Hopkins as Richard Nixon. The movie explores Nixon’s life and political career, including his presidency and the Watergate scandal.

2. All the President’s Men (1976)

While not primarily focused on Nixon, this film directed by Alan J. Pakula follows the investigation by journalists Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) into the Watergate scandal that led to Nixon’s resignation in 1974.

3. Frost/Nixon (2008)

Directed by Ron Howard, this film is based on the stage play of the same name by Peter Morgan. It depicts the tense interviews conducted by British journalist David Frost (Michael Sheen) with Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) following the president’s resignation.

4. The Final Days (1989)

This TV movie, based on the book by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, depicts the last days of Nixon’s presidency and his eventual resignation. Lane Smith portrays Richard Nixon.

5. Elvis & Nixon (2016)

While not a biographical film about Nixon, this bonkers comedy-drama directed by Liza Johnson focuses on the real-life meeting between Elvis Presley (Michael Shannon) and President Richard Nixon (Kevin Spacey) at the White House in 1970.

Here’s the trailer…

The takeaway…

Some figures from history lend themselves to multiple dramatic interpretations. Even though the films listed all depict Nixon, they each take a different POV and tone; from the straight-up, sombre biopic to the somewhat offbeat dramatization of the legendary meeting between the King and President (captured in this famous image).

The Nixon era was a pivotal time in America, with Watergate and its fallout at the centre, providing plenty of fodder for the fact-based and original film. Indeed, going further, we could have listed:

• The Assassination of Richard Nixon (2004)

• Secret Honor (1984)

• The Post (2017)

• Dick (1999) – not a fact-based film but it does take liberties with the history around Watergate

The interesting thing is that, even now, 50 years after Watergate, there are fresh areas to explore around the 37th US President, such as his somewhat surprising role in the environmental movement.