dlewis-12

Scorsese gets the underworld of big cities: this is the roots of such things as Taxi Driver and Goodfellas. I could have lived without the unconvincing love story between Leo and Cam. Having said that, the Oedipal tension between amsterdam and Bill the Butcher is terrifically done. This film will grow with the years.

The performance by Daniel Day-Lewis is just amazing (no, I am not him). Liam Neeson proves he can act again, after almost destroying himself in Star Wars Episode 1. Leo is watchable (for once) and Cameron Diaz is terrific. All actors are great.

Watch this film. Then watch it again. Congratulations, Mr Scorsese.

It's been said before, but Oliver Stone has made one of the best film bios ever. Hopkins is superb as the conflicted president. The tagline "one step from greatness" is apposite. There is a wonderful scene where Nixon raves about his jealousy of Kennedy. Why Hopkins didn't win the Academy award for this is beyond me.

Stone has obviously begun to empathise with his subject. You don't leave the film thinking that Nixon was innocent, but you do understand why he might have ruined a promising career on such small-minded shenanigans.

Oliver Stone should be congratulated on a film that entertains, educates and challenges its audience.