The events of the 1970s Watergate scandal are known as one of the most controversial events to take place with the United States government. The groundbreaking story starts with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in D.C. and goes up to the resignation of former President Nixon. The film “All the President’s Men” shares the Watergate story from the perspective of the two journalists who exposed the events through The Washington Post. The movie was adapted from a book written by the courageous journalists who covered the long, intensive story, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward. These men spent countless months covering this story, putting their lives in danger. Bernstein and Woodward fought for freedom of speech and press during their time covering a story no other journalists were following because of the risk they faced.
The Washington Post took many risks with these many controversial stories coming out in its newspaper. The executive editor of The Washington Post, Ben Bradlee, used his strong personality and stubbornness when dealing with the story. During the film, when Bernstein and Woodward are frustrated they say, “We haven’t had any luck yet.” Bradlee replies, “Get some!” Bradlee’s crucial decision-making was a huge part in The Washington Post’s success. The dedicated men spent months making frustrating phone calls, house visits and meetings until they found the information or quotes they needed to write the perfect story. They had doors slammed in their faces repeatedly because of the fear people faced. Bernstein and Woodward were up against the powerful Richard Nixon and his administration. All the men and women who Bernstein and Woodward interviewed were putting themselves at risk because of the threat they faced when they said something they were not supposed to. Anything they said could put their families and themselves in danger. The finished story ended in Nixon resigning as President of the United States.
This movie tells the public exactly what journalists go through when writing a story that is shared with millions of people. These two men demonstrated the bravery and daring efforts journalists give to their work. Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward are pure examples of why journalists are so important to telling the stories that need to be heard. As we watch, we become familiar with the trademarks of Woodward always typing on his typewriter and Bernstein with a cigarette in his mouth. Whether the stories are excited or heartbreaking, they need to be told. The modern world is a world full of journalism and media. “All the President’s Men” is a film that needs to be watched by any American who needs to see how politics and journalism has effected this country.
