MovieChat Forums > Nixon (1996) Discussion > Jack Nicholson as NIXON?

Jack Nicholson as NIXON?

posted 12 years ago by oscars075-1
10 replies | jump to latest

As some may know, Nicholson was offered the role either before or after Warren Beatty.

What do you think Nicholson would have done with Richard Nixon?

Jack's my favorite actor so I may be biased. Most people think JACK plays JACK. But if anyone has seen Hoffa and the actual senate hearings with Bobby Kennedy... it perfect mannerisms, perfect speech pattern, perfect facial expressions and eye movement, I think he would have done a good job.

But I think Tony Hopkins portrayal as Nixon is the best Nixon ever!

This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time. - Fight Club

[–] ElMaruecan82 12 years ago

I think Anthony Hopkins delivers such a magnificent performance that it's impossible to imagine someone else playing that role.

"Darth Vader is scary and I The Godfather"

[–] fanaticita 12 years ago

. . . .except Jack Nicholson. . .

[–] Prismark10 11 years ago

I think Jack misfired with Hoffa so it was better Hopkins got the role.

Its that man again!!

[–] The_Dougster 11 years ago

I think Jack misfired with Hoffa so it was better Hopkins got the role.

No, Nicholson flat out SUCKED in Hoffa! The man has given some good performances; Col. Jessup in A Few Good Men comes to mind. The thing is when he’s bad, he’s really bad. His performance in The Departed was downright cringe worthy! Hopkins wasn't the perfect choice to play Nixon but it's hard to even imagine Nicholson in that role.

[–] leeaf83 11 years ago

"Jack Nicholson is way too complicated, independent, and self-assured of a man to play Nixon. Nixon was worried, lacked charm, full of self-doubt, and had Aspie traits.

Nixon had type A blood and had the stereotypical personality traits of someone with that blood type. And Jack Nicholson is a type B and definitely has those, too!"

This right here- Nixon did take a lot of crap and get knocked around and suffer moral defeats. I couldn't picture Nicholson in the scenes where he goes up against Kennedy or his marital problems. I can't picture Jack playing a flawed and humble character, he's always oozing with confidence.

[–] jdkraus 11 years ago

It's funny you mentioned this. I watched some clips of this movie with my acting teacher and both of us felt that Hopkins was playing Jack Nicholson, playing Richard Nixon. The shark-shaped, devious grin, some of his over the top facial expressions, and not to mention the nutty personality Hopkins embodied in his portrayal of Nixon was very much at times like a Jack Nicholson character. I hope my teacher and I are not the only ones who noticed this.

[–] sonofbeach-sheet 11 years ago

Jack Nicholson is way too complicated, independent, and self-assured of a man to play Nixon. Nixon was worried, lacked charm, full of self-doubt, and had Aspie traits.

Nixon had type A blood and had the stereotypical personality traits of someone with that blood type. And Jack Nicholson is a type B and definitely has those, too!

[–] hodie 10 years ago

I see Jack Torrance in The Shining whenever I see Nicholson. So, no.

[–] foster1234 10 years ago

I love Jack, one of the greatest, but I think Nixon was beyond him

In a world where a carpenter can be resurrected, anything is possible.

[–] bigbadwolf666 (4707) 7 years ago

Ive seen many Films of Nicholson and know he's a fine actor and one of the greatest of all-time undebatable.
I think he wouldve played it extremely well but Hopkins still wouldve been better and is the better actor.

The problem with Nicholson playing Nixon is that he is too well known and overbearing. He mightve taken from the film. But somehow though Hopkins is in the same shoes he pulled it off.