The Assassination of Richard Nixon
Directed by Niels Mueller
Acted by Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, Don Cheadle and Jack Thompson.
This painfully dark film crafts a course through a deafening resonance of American myth, legend and 'reality' to embody what could well be the definitive post 9/11 statement.
It ensues from a true story of one man's stand against the 'system', back in 1974. At that time anti-establishment rhetoric was flowering. Marxist ideology was rife. The downfall of the ruling class was a matter of time and social roles were adjusting accordingly. But the old order was still there, fittingly represented by 'a marriage, three kids, a dog and the old oak tree', all of which Samuel Bicke (Sean Penn) is about to lose. And 'losing it' he is.
Ironically it is the 'coming of age of the salesman' that this film shows off. As Jack Jones (Jack Thompson) points out the country's president is the perfect role model. To make the same sales pitch twice and never deliver is the ultimate sale. Richard Nixon did that. Not only did he not withdraw the troops from Vietnam, as he twice promised, he sent in more troops. Jones is training Bicke in the 'art of selling'. 'Positive thinking' is the bible and Carnegie is the prophet but Bicke isn't buying it. He wants it his way.
Sean Penn appears totally committed to the portrayal of this 'loser'. No blue eyed sparkle here, just small dark beady eyes. He perfects every nuance that the script provides. Before long all shreds of sympathy are negated as even his one friend and barely tolerant ex-wife are telling him to 'get over it'. His incessant whining against the 'system' becomes increasingly abhorrent as his own deceit and hostility are exposed.
Is it possible to experience this film and not to recall Penn's recent stand against America's invasion of Iraq. Is it possible not to recognize the similarity in the attitude of censure? Is this Penn's recantation?
Lou Crow
