All the President’s Men (1976): The Architecture of Truth
1976 • Alan J. Pakula • 1.85:1 • Jump to Gallery ↓
Alan J. Pakula’s All the President’s Men (1976) is arguably the most impactful film ever made about journalism and the quintessential American political thriller. It transformed the seemingly mundane task of spending days on the phone confirming rumours and leads into a worthwhile career in the name of truth.
Of course, it’s Cinema. While it is based on the real reporting of the two Washington Post journalists who uncovered the Watergate scandal and helped bring down a presidency, the film itself is almost fetishistic in the way it shows us the workings of chasing a paper trail. It’s utterly captivating, thanks to Pakula’s recreation of the Washington Post newsroom. With the famously brilliant split diopter shots by cinematographer Gordon Willis, the perfect sound design, and the visual perspective built into each shot, watching All the President’s Men feels like being in the same room as Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.
And, of course, there are the late-night parking scenes. The meetings with “Deep Throat” in a sumptuously lit dark place define the aesthetic of the confidential informant in the media. Despite being a film about phone calls and meetings, it feels as though you are watching history being made in real time.
Technical Specs:
- The Story: Two Washington Post reporters follow a trail of small inconsistencies that leads them to uncover the scope of the Watergate scandal and its connection to the highest levels of government. (Read my review of All the President’s Men)
- Actors: Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Robards, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, Hal Holbrook, Jane Alexander.
- Director: Alan J. Pakula
- Year: 1976
- Cinematographer: Gordon Willis
- Origin: American Cinema
- Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
- Genre: Crime / Political Thrillers
