“Follow the money.”
Corruption and deception often go hand-in-hand. Like a disease, these attributes are hard to contain and spread quickly. So, what happens when these destructive issues are embedded within a democracy, one that claims to stand on integrity and equality? Unfortunately, this is a question still being discussed in America today.
However, this isn’t the first time the masses are challenging the honor of the presidential administration. Alan J. Pakula’s All the President’s Men, starring the late Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, follows this line of thinking, as it describes the true story of two journalists uncovering one of America’s most consequential scandals. This movie shines light on the importance of investigative journalism to preserve morality in America’s most important institution.
On June 17, 1972, five men with expensive surveillance and bugging technology on them were found and arrested for trespassing into the Democratic National Convention headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington D.C. What appeared initially to be a small break-in caught the attention of journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of The Washington Post. Throughout their investigation Woodward and Bernstein pulled the thread which caused a network of lies and cover-ups to unravel. After further investigation, their discoveries turned into a cascading turn of events, as the two began to realize the gravity of what they had found. This true story, written by Woodward and Bernstein themselves, adapts the real journalistic tactics used at the time. And it’s absolutely riveting.
All the President’s Men isn’t a movie filled with cheap shots of action. There are no wild car chases or back-alley shootouts. The electricity is in the journalism, the real, tireless and passionate journalism. Woodward and Bernstein aren’t superheroes, but they had a hunger for what is right. The meticulous writing, the tense interviews, the chase for truth and the intuition for deception is found in every scene as Woodward and Bernstein work endlessly for the sake of their country.
Pakula immerses the viewer into the movie and makes it impossible to look away. As Woodward and Bernstein feared for their lives during their pursuit, the use of shadows and dim lighting emits a tone of mystery and conspiracy. However, the most memorable feature is the recreation of The Washington Post newsroom. This setting truly comes alive as a fortress for the free press: its bright lighting, constant hustle and bustle, even the sound of typewriters and ringing phones make the newsroom a character of its own. Pakula also uses split diopters, a film technique that allows the lenses to focus on both the foreground and background, to direct the viewers to look at more than just the leading men, but the whole environment. This reminds the viewers that the story is so much bigger than just the reporters.
And of course, the movie wouldn’t be the same without the phenomenal performances of Hoffman and Redford. Between their chemistry, intensity, flaws and mutual understanding for their purpose, Redford and Hoffman exude a performance to remember. This is just one single display of Redford’s talent and love for what he did. Redford was not just an actor, but an activist who played roles that really meant something.
The impact of All the President’s Men is everlasting. Against all odds, Woodward and Bernstein worked toward the greater good. They risked their careers, their reputations and even their lives, yet they chose to act. In these uncertain times in America today, it is imperative to remember that democracy relies on transparency and accountability. Woodward and Bernstein paid attention to the details around them, seeking out truth and therefore holding their country, and president, to a higher standard. America is living in a time of unreliability in the news, lack of objectivity and an unwavering loyalty to a political party rather than true values. This film’s legacy reminds us to instead remain vigilant in questioning those in power, and to prioritize facts over partisanship. All The President’s Men is not simply a historical record, but a call to action for all to protect and defend freedom of the press and democracy.
