Political corruption doesn't get any better than this...

Rating: 10/10 (29 May 2000)

When it comes to Watergate, this film is a must-see. From break-in to resignation, this movie tells the story of the investigation by Woodward and Bernstein into the events at the Watergate Hotel, and the actions of those involved both before and after. The two lead actors, Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford, simply shine as the two reporters. As well, Jason Robards (Ben Bradlee), Hal Holbrook (Deep Throat), and Jane Alexander (The Bookkeeper) are well suited for their roles. (Watch for Bradlee's late night conversation with Woodward and Bernstein about J. Edgar Hoover... it had me in stitches.)
The events behind the basic premise of the film are well known, and well documented by history. This film takes those events even further, by giving the viewer an inside view into the workings of the Washington Post during the scandal. A seemingly ordinary break-in at the Watergate turns into news when Woodward (Redford) attends the arraignment of the burglars, and finds the whole situation to be very suspicious. After teaming up with Bernstein (Hoffman), the two embark on a journey into the inner-workings of the United States Government, finding information in such places as the CIA, the Committee to Re-Elect the President, and the Justice Department.
On first viewing this film, I was intrigued enough to do a bit of research on my own about Watergate, since at the time, it was something I didn't know very much about. I read the book this movie was based on, along with the follow-up, as well as "Watergate: The Corruption of American Politics and the Fall of Richard Nixon" by Fred Emery, an excellent read. After reading those books, as well as some research, I viewed the film again. It was amazing how much I saw the second time around, after doing some of my own research. Names, dates, and activities which were all a blur after I first watched the film, started to make sense when I could put them in context. Therefore, I would suggest that you watch this film more than once, to get the whole picture.
Put simply, the acting and directing in this film is excellent. The story, while being well documented in various other media, gives a fresh insight into what made this break-in front-page news. Anybody interested in the inner-workings of the American Government will want to see this film, as well as anybody with an interest in journalism. Simply put, this film is excellent.
My Rating: 10/10