All the President’s Men (1976)

All the President’s Men is a political thriller directed by Alan J. Pakula, based on the true story of the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The film chronicles the efforts of two Washington Post journalists, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, as they unravel the cover-up surrounding the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.

Detailed Summary

Introduction: The Watergate Break-in

The film opens in June 1972 with the Watergate burglary. A group of men is caught breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. While initially dismissed as a minor political event, it catches the attention of Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward (Robert Redford), who is assigned to cover the arraignment.

The Investigation Begins

Woodward quickly notices inconsistencies in the story behind the break-in. His curiosity is piqued when the burglars are revealed to have connections to the CIA and the White House. Teaming up with fellow reporter Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman), the two begin a deep investigation that would eventually expose a massive conspiracy.

“Follow the Money”

One of the most iconic moments in the film is when Woodward meets his secret informant, Deep Throat (Hal Holbrook), in a dark parking garage. Deep Throat advises Woodward to “follow the money,” suggesting that the trail of illegal activities and funds will lead to the highest levels of the Nixon administration. This phrase becomes a guiding principle for the reporters.

The Risks of Investigative Journalism

As Woodward and Bernstein dig deeper, they face resistance from political figures, uncooperative sources, and even their own editors. Their investigation reveals a larger system of political espionage and sabotage, with Nixon’s re-election committee at its center.

Through relentless interviews and fact-checking, the two reporters uncover a connection between the break-in, illegal campaign financing, and attempts to sabotage political opponents, all leading back to the White House.

The Tension Rises: Nixon’s White House Strikes Back

As their investigation progresses, the stakes become higher. They face pressure from government officials and threats to their credibility. Nixon’s administration does its best to discredit The Washington Post and its reporters, even implying that their investigation is driven by bias.

The Final Revelation

The film concludes with Woodward and Bernstein discovering a more extensive and organized cover-up involving high-ranking government officials. The final scenes emphasize their relentless pursuit of the truth and ends on a high note as their investigation contributes to the eventual resignation of President Nixon.

The movie ends with a teletype scene showing Nixon’s re-election but hints at the exposure of his involvement in the Watergate cover-up that will soon follow.

Movie Ending

The film ends without showing Nixon’s resignation (which occurred in 1974), but it implies that Woodward and Bernstein’s reporting had a significant impact on the unfolding of the scandal. Instead of a dramatic finale, the ending serves as a victory for truth and journalism, leaving the audience aware that the real consequences of the investigation would be revealed in the years following the events of the movie.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

There is no post-credits scene in this movie.

Type of Movie

All the President’s Men is a political thriller and historical drama, based on real-life events. It’s a slow-burn, dialogue-driven film that showcases the power of investigative journalism in exposing political corruption.

Cast

• Robert Redford as Bob Woodward
• Dustin Hoffman as Carl Bernstein
• Jason Robards as Ben Bradlee, Executive Editor of The Washington Post
• Hal Holbrook as Deep Throat
• Jack Warden as Harry M. Rosenfeld
• Martin Balsam as Howard Simons

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by David Shire, though it’s sparse and restrained, matching the tone of the investigative journalism portrayed in the movie. The music takes a backseat to the dialogue and tension, helping to create an atmosphere of suspense and mystery.

Filming Locations

The movie was shot in various locations, including:

• Washington, D.C.: Key scenes were shot around real Washington landmarks, adding authenticity to the film. Scenes of Woodward and Bernstein meeting Deep Throat were filmed in a parking garage in Rosslyn, Virginia.
• Los Angeles: Many of the interiors, such as the Washington Post newsroom, were recreated on sets in California.

Filming in D.C. was important as it lent authenticity to the investigative work happening in the nation’s capital, particularly with scenes set near the real Watergate complex.

Awards and Nominations

All the President’s Men was critically acclaimed and won several awards:

• Won: 4 Academy Awards (including Best Supporting Actor for Jason Robards and Best Adapted Screenplay for William Goldman)
• Nominated: Best Picture and Best Director
• Won: Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor (Jason Robards)

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Robert Redford bought the rights to Woodward and Bernstein’s book before it was even finished.
• Jason Robards, who played Ben Bradlee, was hesitant to take the role but ended up winning an Oscar for his performance.
• Redford and Hoffman practiced improvising over each other’s lines to capture the fast-paced nature of journalism.

Inspirations and References

The movie is based on the non-fiction book All the President’s Men by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, which recounts their investigation into the Watergate scandal. The book itself was written after the events of Watergate and served as the foundation for the film.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The film closely follows the real-life events, and no alternate endings have been revealed. However, some early drafts of the script included more detail about Nixon’s downfall, which was ultimately cut to keep the focus on the investigation.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie is a direct adaptation of the book All the President’s Men. The film condenses some of the book’s intricate details to fit the two-hour runtime, focusing primarily on Woodward and Bernstein’s investigation rather than the full breadth of the Watergate scandal. The book delves deeper into the investigative process and features more about the aftermath of the reporting.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Woodward’s first meeting with Deep Throat in the dark garage.
• The rapid-fire dialogue between Woodward and Bernstein as they piece together the evidence.
• Bernstein’s tense conversation with a scared bookkeeper who hesitates to give information.
• The iconic “Follow the money” scene, setting the reporters on the right path.

Iconic Quotes

• Deep Throat: “Follow the money.”
• Ben Bradlee: “Nothing’s riding on this except the First Amendment of the Constitution, freedom of the press, and maybe the future of the country.”
• Woodward: “We’re under a lot of pressure, you know. And you put us there. Nothing’s riding on this except the First Amendment.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Deep Throat’s real identity was unknown at the time of the movie’s release, making the mystery of the character even more intriguing for audiences in 1976.
• The film accurately recreates the Washington Post newsroom, down to the smallest details, to immerse viewers in the journalism environment.

Trivia

• The identity of Deep Throat wasn’t revealed until 2005 when former FBI official Mark Felt came forward.
• Robert Redford spent hours with Bob Woodward to prepare for his role.
• Director Alan J. Pakula used real Washington Post newspapers on set to create authenticity.

Why Watch?

All the President’s Men is essential viewing for anyone interested in journalism, politics, or history. It showcases the importance of the free press in holding power accountable and highlights the tenacity and integrity required in investigative journalism.

Director’s Other Movies

• Klute (1971)
• The Parallax View (1974)
• The Pelican Brief (1993)
• Presumed Innocent (1990)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Spotlight (2015)
• The Post (2017)
• Zodiac (2007)
• The Insider (1999)
• Network (1976)