The Assassination of Richard Nixon
Metascore
63 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 38
  3. Negative: 1 out of 38
view
per page
  1. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    100
    This is one of the rare movies to explore American materialism through the eyes of an all-too-ordinary person who isn't up to the challenges of everyday life.
  2. Charlotte Observer
    Reviewed by: Lawrence Toppman
    100
    What surprises us most is the picture's topicality, and not just because terrorists crashed a plane into the Pentagon three years ago.
  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    88
    Does the film have a message? I don't think it wants one. It is about the journey of a man going mad. A film can simply be a character study, as this one is.
  4. Premiere
    Reviewed by: Aaron Hillis
    88
    The brilliant subtleties of this absorbing, must-see drama are best seen through Penn, who transforms a strongly nuanced script into the greatest performance of the year.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    83
    Director Niels Mueller's attempt to create a middle-class "Taxi Driver" (he tips his hand a bit smugly by respelling Byck's name to evoke Travis Bickle) has a creepy, meticulous exactitude.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. Myles#13
    8
    Note to future viewers: if you don't like thinking during movies, do NOT rent 'Assassination'. Sean Penn's performance is meant to make the average person realize the often meaningless-ness of their existence. 'The Assassination of Richard Nixon' played like a modern day 'Death of a Salesman'... in both, the lead character becomes quite disillusioned with their meager existence, and takes drastic measures. Good movie!… Full Review »
  2. JeffM.
    8
    Very interesting. Penn really makes you feel for this poor bastard, but still never makes him remotely likeable. Very high degree of difficulty on that one.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »