All the President’s Men

Investigative cinema in its purest form – Alan J. Pakula meticulously reconstructs the events leading to President Nixon’s downfall, opting for a detailed, journalistic approach rather than a sensationalized narrative. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman portray The Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who, following the trail of an anonymous source, uncover a web of political corruption and manipulation at the highest levels of power. These are not traditional heroes – they are methodical, patient professionals, racing not against time but against a system built on deception. Pakula eschews dramatic spectacle, instead building tension through details, conversations, and the relentless peeling away of political falsehoods. A film that demands attention and engagement, All the President’s Men rewards the viewer with a cold, measured account of how uncovering the truth is often far more difficult than anyone wants to admit. To this day, it remains one of the greatest films about journalism – and a stark warning of how easily power can spiral out of control.

Mikołaj Mizak

Alan J. Pakula (1928–1998) was a master of political thrillers and psychological dramas, known for his sharp exploration of power, paranoia, and moral dilemmas. Klute (1971), the first in his “paranoia trilogy,” won Jane Fonda an Oscar and established his distinctive style. All the President’s Men (1976), chronicling the Watergate scandal, set the benchmark for investigative thrillers. In Sophie’s Choice (1982), he portrayed the devastating impact of history on individual lives. Combining suspense with psychological depth, Pakula’s films remain a cornerstone of American cinema, influencing generations of filmmakers.