Peter Bart: Filmmakers Eagerly Anticipate Hollywood’s Nod for a Trump-Inspired Take on ‘All The President’s Men’
The current box office landscape is being illuminated by two prominent films, Michael and The Devil Wears Prada 2, which blend present themes with past narratives. This raises intriguing questions about the potential emergence of a new genre based on this duality.
Could these films inspire a modern retelling of All the President’s Men, the acclaimed thriller that captivated audiences fifty years ago with its portrayal of two determined journalists, Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, as they unraveled the complexities of the Watergate scandal? Several established filmmakers believe a contemporary political drama could effectively tackle the ongoing issues surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case, reflecting the political climate of the Trump era. This topic, steeped in the entanglements of power and money, seems ripe for exploration, as protagonists and budgets await the green light.
All the President’s Men not only achieved significant box office success but also garnered critical acclaim, facing its own set of obstacles in the process. The original script lacked action and romantic elements, and the true identity of the informant known as Deep Throat remained concealed until two decades later, when it was revealed to be a top FBI official.
During the Nixon presidency, the conspirators were characterized as dull corporate figures, unappealing for casting, as noted by director Alan Pakula. "They were as ‘blah’ as their strategy," he remarked. In contrast, Pakula might have found modern figures, such as Kash Patel or Kristy Noem, intriguing choices for a contemporary adaptation of President’s Men, though such selection might demand a prolonged timeline.
Pakula, renowned for his nuanced approach to political thrillers—as seen in The Parallax View—was acutely aware of the potential off-screen intrigues surrounding President’s Men. His collaboration with then-Washington Post publisher Katherine Graham revealed the immense pressure she faced to support investigative journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein amid rival coverage from the New York Times.
Tension also surfaced between Redford and Williams Goldman, the celebrated screenwriter, as Redford sought to portray Woodward as reserved, juxtaposed against Hoffman’s more frenetic Bernstein. Both characters grappled with the fear of being misled by their sources, while the looming threat of being scooped by competitors added to their anxiety. Ultimately, their relentless pursuit of truth contributed to Nixon’s resignation.
As discussions surrounding possible new narratives unfold, questions linger: Could a Watergate-like thriller set in the Trump era hold the same emotional weight? Would today’s array of characters be even more gripping? Furthermore, would merging studios—navigating today’s regulatory landscape—be willing to back such projects?
On the eve of principal photography for the original President’s Men, Pakula expressed his doubts, stating, “I’m going to fall on my face this time.” Yet, that film proved to be a monumental success, indicating a potential appetite for a modern retelling among audiences and excitement among filmmakers eager to take on this challenge.
