Kissinger and Nixon (1995)

Synopsis: Director Daniel Petrie's fascinating telefilm, based on the book KISSINGER: A BIOGRAPHY by Walter Isaacson, explores the complex relationship between former president Richard M. Nixon (Beau... Director Daniel Petrie's fascinating telefilm, based on the book KISSINGER: A BIOGRAPHY by Walter Isaacson, explores the complex relationship between former president Richard M. Nixon (Beau Bridges) and his national security advisor, Henry A. Kissinger (Ron Silver). Set in 1972 and 1973, the movie chronicles the behind-the-scenes tension between the two men as they work together to end the Vietnam War. As the war escalates, Nixon is determined to win his reelection by a landslide and doesn't want an early peace settlement to jeopardize his popularity. However, Kissinger works diligently to negotiate a deal, meeting in a series of top-secret Paris peace talks. Because of extreme political paranoia and Nixon's own refusal to accept Kissinger's initial peace contract, the negotiations fail, leading to a bloody and violent end to the war in January 1973. Despite the two men's opposing views and general distrust of one another, they remained close political allies, and as Nixon's extreme popularity waned, as a result of the Watergate scandal, Kissinger and his assistant general, Alexander Haig (Matt Frewer), stood by him. Before Nixon's eventual resignation, Kissinger was appointed secretary of state and Haig became the new chief of staff in what would become one of the most notorious and well known terms in White House history. Silver and Bridges give extraordinary performances, using brilliant mannerisms and vocal prowess to capture the essence of the two political powerhouse personalities. [More]

Starring: Ron Silver, Beau Bridges, George Takei, Matt Frewer

Starring: Ron Silver, Beau Bridges, George Takei, Matt Frewer

Director: Daniel Petrie

Director: Daniel Petrie

[See More Credits]