The Assassination of Richard Nixon Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A disgruntled furniture salesman really, *really* hates Nixon and decides that the only logical solution is to become a pilot and crash a plane into the White House, proving that office jobs can, in fact, be deadly.

🍿 The Assassination of Richard Nixon: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Samuel Bicke’s Struggles

Set in 1974, the film introduces Samuel Bicke (Sean Penn), an office furniture salesman struggling to achieve his American dream. He’s separated from his wife, Marie, and faces constant stress at work, where he’s often the subject of ridicule. These initial scenes establish the downward spiral Bicke is experiencing, setting the stage for his increasingly desperate actions.

Failed Business Ventures and Growing Frustration

Bicke attempts to resurrect his brother’s old tire business with a Black partner, but banks reject his proposal. This failure, coupled with the formal serving of divorce papers, intensifies his disillusionment. Richard Nixon’s broken promises become a symbol of all the evils plaguing Bicke’s life, fueling his growing resentment towards the ‘system’.

The Idea of Assassination

Inspired by a news story about a pilot landing a helicopter on the White House lawn, Bicke conceives a plan to assassinate President Nixon. This marks a turning point in the film, as Bicke’s frustrations transform into a concrete, albeit misguided, plot. He starts recording tapes addressed to Leonard Bernstein, chronicling his grievances and justifying his planned actions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Samuel J. Bicke (Sean Penn): A disturbed office furniture salesman who plots to assassinate President Richard Nixon due to his perceived failures and disillusionment with the American dream.
• Marie Andersen Bicke (Naomi Watts): Samuel’s estranged wife, who struggles to cope with his increasingly erratic behavior and their failing marriage.
• Bonny Simmons (Don Cheadle): Samuel’s loyal friend and business partner, who tries to support him despite his troubling actions.
• Jack Jones (Jack Thompson): Samuel’s manipulative and unethical boss, who represents the corrupt system Samuel despises.
• Julius Bicke (Michael Wincott): Samuel’s brother, who is both supportive and frustrated by Samuel’s inability to succeed.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Samuel Bicke: “Slavery never really ended in this country. It just gave it another name… Em-plo-yee.” – Expresses his disillusionment with the economic system and feeling of being trapped in a cycle of labor.
• Samuel Bicke: “I just want my piece of the American dream.” – Highlights his frustration and sense of entitlement, believing he deserves success and happiness.
• Samuel Bicke: “The system is unfair.” – Said to reflect his belief that society is rigged against ordinary people.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7 million
• Domestic Gross: $708,776
• Worldwide Gross: $4,426,087

💥 The Assassination of Richard Nixon Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie hit me hard. Sean Penn’s performance is just incredible; you can really feel his character’s desperation. The way the film portrays the crumbling of the American Dream is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. I found myself questioning a lot about society after watching it. The scene where he tries to explain his frustrations to his ex-wife, Marie, really stuck with me because he truly felt trapped and misunderstood. It’s a tough movie, but one that’s worth watching.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Sean Penn’s acting”
  • “Viewers interested in character studies”
  • “Those intrigued by historical events and political dramas”
  • “Audiences who appreciate films with a somber and reflective tone”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Suicidal ideation”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Sean Penn delivers a mesmerizing performance, capturing the quiet desperation of a man spiraling out of control. While the film’s subject matter is dark, its exploration of the American dream gone sour resonates deeply.
• RogerEbert.com: “A chilling character study anchored by Sean Penn’s brilliant portrayal of a man consumed by frustration. Director Niels Mueller creates a palpable sense of unease, making us question the societal forces that led to such a tragic act.
• Rolling Stone: “Sean Penn is on fire as Sam Bicke. This movie is not just about the assassination attempt, its about the slow burn of anger and disillusionment that can drive a person to the edge. A must-see performance.

Audience Reactions

Sean Penn’s acting was phenomenal and captivating.: Most viewers praised Sean Penn’s raw and emotional portrayal of Sam Bicke.

The movie evoked strong emotions and stayed with the viewer long after it ended.: Many agreed that the film was thought-provoking and evoked a sense of unease and sadness.

Overall Consensus: The film is a powerful character study, driven by Sean Penn’s performance, that explores themes of disillusionment and the crumbling American Dream. It’s a thought-provoking but often bleak and uncomfortable viewing experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the true story of Samuel Byck, who attempted to hijack a plane to crash into the White House in 1974.”
• “Sean Penn was deeply committed to the role, immersing himself in research about Byck and the political climate of the 1970s.”
• “Director Niels Mueller spent several years developing the script, striving for authenticity and a nuanced portrayal of Byck’s motivations.”
• “The film faced distribution challenges after its initial festival screenings due to its sensitive subject matter and the parallels to the September 11th attacks.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Assassination of Richard Nixon?

The Assassination of Richard Nixon is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your preferred platform for rental and purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Assassination of Richard Nixon, you might like these similar films:

• Taxi Driver (1976): Both films explore the descent of a marginalized man into violence, fueled by disillusionment and societal alienation.
• Falling Down (1993): Similar to this movie, Falling Down explores a man’s violent reaction to the system and the struggles of everyday life.
• Network (1976): Network and The Assassination of Richard Nixon both came out in the 1970s and explore the themes of disillusionment, societal issues, and the struggle against a corrupt system.
• Joker (2019): This movie is a modern psychological thriller film that explores similar themes of alienation, mental health struggles, and violence against a perceived corrupt society that is seen in The Assassination of Richard Nixon.

🛒 The Assassination of Richard Nixon Related Products

• Richard Nixon: A Life in Full: A comprehensive biography of Richard Nixon, providing historical context for the era depicted in the film. Understand the political climate and the man who inspired such strong reactions.
• Office Furniture Model Kit: A fun novelty kit for fans of the movie and/or the office life. Small-scale models of desks, chairs, and lamps.
• Sean Penn: Interviews: A collection of interviews with Sean Penn about his life and performances. It is a great way to go behind the scenes to learn more about what goes into the actor’s role.
• 1970s Retro Style Aviator Sunglasses: Channel the 1970s with a classic pair of aviator sunglasses.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Assassination of Richard Nixon features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Piano Concerto No. 5 in E Flat Major, Op. 73 Emperor” – performed by Ludwig van Beethoven
• “Various Incidental Music” – performed by Steven Stern and Jack Smalley

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Wait for the end😭#shorts

OMG, you HAVE to see this! This short clip perfectly captures the movie’s most shocking moment. I was not expecting that ending, were you?

Here’s what happened after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s aide arrived late for the BRICS meeting…

Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes at important world leader summits? This short video gives you a glimpse! I can’t believe how people reacted, it’s kinda awkward.

I can’t believe he’d say that 🥲 #shorts #comedy

This is hilarious! This short comedy bit reminds me so much of a specific scene from the movie. Can you guess which one it is? You won’t believe what he says!

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