Alan J. Pakula (1928–1998) was an American director, producer, and screenwriter whose career defined the political thriller genre and produced some of cinema’s most enduring dramas. He began as a producer on classics like To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) before moving into directing with The Sterile Cuckoo (1969). His filmography includes Klute (1971), which won Jane Fonda the Academy Award for Best Actress; The Parallax View (1974), a chilling exploration of conspiracy; and All the President’s Men (1976), a landmark film on the Watergate scandal that earned four Oscars and secured Pakula a nomination for Best Director. He continued with acclaimed works such as Sophie’s Choice (1982), Presumed Innocent (1990), and The Pelican Brief (1993), blending suspense with social commentary. Over his career, Pakula received multiple Academy Award nominations, Golden Globe recognition, and critical acclaim for his ability to capture paranoia, politics, and human complexity on screen.
Washington Post reporters Woodward and Bernstein uncover the Watergate scandal, ultimately leading to President Nixon’s resignation.
Dustin Hoffman – Bernstein; Robert Redford – Woodward; Jason Robards – Bradlee
Gordon Willis – Cinematography; William Goldman – Screenplay
Walter Coblenz
William Goldman (adapted from Bernstein & Woodward)