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The Assassination of Richard Nixon (April 6/05)

Sean Penn has reached the point where with each successive performance, he actually manages to top himself - forcing movie reviewers to claim that his latest film features his best work to date.

The Assassination of Richard Nixon is no different, and casts Penn as hapless sap Sam Bicke. Bicke's strong, unwavering feelings about the way things should be have cost him jobs, friends, and even his marriage. Though he's making an effort to conform by working as an office supplies salesman, we can tell that his anti-social tendencies are bubbling beneath the surface.

The Assassination of Richard Nixon has been written and directed by Niels Mueller, who imbues the film with the vibe of a '70s movie - eschewing plot in favor of an emphasis on character development. As a result, by the time the film ends, Sam Bicke has become someone whose motives we completely understand (once he embarks on his plot to assassinate the then President - whom he perceives to be exactly what's wrong with America - it almost feels as though he has no choice but to do this).

Though the film features a supporting cast that includes Naomi Watts and Don Cheadle, this is undeniably Penn's show from start to finish. The actor delivers a performance that's rich in its complexity, turning Bicke into more than just a second-rate Travis Bickle.

out of

About the DVD: Though MGM Home Entertainment presents The Assassination of Richard Nixon with a very nice letterboxed transfer, they've completely skimped on the extras (there's not even a trailer to be found here!) Still, the film is - at the very least - worth a rental.
© David Nusair