AFI (2007) • AFI-077
All the President's Men
1976 • Alan J. Pakula
AVAILABLE EDITIONS
Physical
Digital
You May Also Like
No related films listed.
No editions listed.
ABOUT THIS FILM
RUNTIME
138 min
FAMOUS QUOTE
“Follow the money.”
This political thriller chronicles the investigative journalism that exposed the Watergate scandal and ultimately led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein follow a trail of clues after a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. As they uncover deeper connections to powerful political figures, the reporters face mounting pressure and uncertainty. Directed by Alan J. Pakula and starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, the film carefully depicts the persistence and integrity required for investigative reporting. All the President’s Men remains a compelling portrait of journalism’s role in holding power accountable.
Why it matters
- A defining work in the AFI canon, it showcases the craft of classical Hollywood storytelling (or its modern evolution) at a high level.
- Its influence shows up in later films—through structure, tone, or visual language—making it a useful reference point for how the medium developed.
- It endures because its core conflicts feel human and repeatable, letting new audiences find fresh meaning in familiar moments.
Watch for
- How the opening establishes tone and stakes—often more is set up visually than in dialogue.
- Key scenes where performance choices (pauses, glances, timing) do the emotional heavy lifting.
- Editing and transitions: notice what the film hides, what it reveals, and when it decides to do each.
Vibe
Political ThrillerInvestigative JournalismWatergateInstitutional ParanoiaPress FreedomConspiracy UncoveredProcedural PrecisionDemocratic AccountabilityNewsroom TensionTruth-Seeking
AFI RANK
1998: —
2007: #77