Killing Reagan

This movie has an obvious bias, and portrays Ronald Reagan in a very favourable light. That shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. It's based on a book by Bill O'Reilly, who's well known as a conservative commentator who - just because of those ideological leanings - would be expected to be sympathetic to Reagan. I don't have too much of a position on Reagan. I'm not an American and never had to make a decision on whether or not to vote for him. There were probably a lot of policies I would have disagreed with, but I would say that by Reagan's own standards he was probably a successful president. He did restore a certain sense of greatness to the United States after the corruption of Watergate, the debacle of Vietnam, and the advances of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. And, of course, while it didn't happen until a few years after he left office, he laid the groundwork for the end of the Cold War by engaging in an arms race with the Soviet Union that the Soviet economy couldn't keep up with. So while I may not be entirely in agreement, I can understand those like O'Reilly who would have a pro-Reagan bias, and it didn't detract from this movie in any way. In the context of this movie, I thought Reagan came across as in control and strong.

On March 30, 1981 - a little over two months after taking office, Reagan was shot by a would be assassin named John Hinckley. Hinckley had no political agenda. He was just a disturbed young man with few prospects and not much interested in accomplishing anything - except that he was fixated on actress Jodie Foster, and thought that killing the president would make her notice him. This movie clearly portrays the seriousness of the shooting - which at the time was downplayed by most people - and makes clear that Reagan's life was very much in danger as he lay on the operating table. It also, I thought, offered a good look into the lives of both Hinckley and Reagan. I came away from this thinking that I knew both of them at least a little better than when it started. There was also a very solid depiction of the jockeying for position behind the scenes as the president was out of commission - highlighted, of course, by Secretary of State Alexander Haig's famous "I am in control" statement to the press. Personally, I thought perhaps the most poignant moment of the whole movie came as a reflection to that event, after Reagan had recovered and was back at work and decided to send a personal letter to Soviet president Brezhnev. Haig objected to the letter and wanted it redrafted, only to have Reagan insist on having it sent as he had written it and then icily remind Haig that "as far as I know, I am in control here." On the other hand, it was a bit disconcerting to hear the president of the United States referring to his wife as "mommy." Perhaps that reflected the nature of the dependence that Reagan had on Nancy in many ways. The portrayal of Nancy by Cynthia Nixon was interesting. There was a softer feel to Nancy than is often the case, although it was jarring to see her with Sarah Brady at the hospital after the shooting as both of their husbands were being operated on. James Brady was Reagan's press secretary, and was shot in the head by Hinckley. After Reagan came out of surgery, Nancy just says to Sarah (after they had been comforting each other) "I'm going home now," and Sarah is left completely alone in the hospital chapel, not knowing if her husband would live or die. That seemed very cold.

The performances here were outstanding. In the lead roles both Tim Matheson as Reagan and Kyle S. More as Hinckley were convincing, and the supporting cast held up their parts. This really is a well done movie. I have not read O'Reilly's book of the same name (although I have read O'Reilly's "Killing Lincoln") but I would think he was pleased with this adaptation. (9/10)

Had I known Ridley Scott and Rod Lurie were involved with Killing Reagan I would have watched the movie months ago. But the real surprise was Tim Matheson and Cynthia Nixon's superb performances and endearing portrayal of the first couple. From the director of The Contender, another one of my favorite movies, Killing Reagan is one of the best docudramas ever.

God I loved that man he was my very first vote for a republican/conservative for president of the United States of America, when I was able to vote for the very first time back in 1980 it was a challenge within my soul and my conscience, I never steered away from his word now 36 years later, now a grandfather and American, will their every be another Ronald Reagan only god knows for sure I trust Mr.Bill O'Reilly and his internal facts as I've known President Reagan's external facts all good I pray before my death that I'm able to witness another great leader but as it goes now? GOD HELP US ALL. This has to be the all mighty best made for t.v. bio. a must watch for those on the left and the right!

Even though you know what happens the movie was exciting. The movie follows Reagan just before election to the first few months in office. Concurrently we get a look a the mental state of John Hinckley Jr's point of view and misguided motivation. It's scary how he slipped through the cracks. The actual shooting and scenes at the hospital are thorough and clear.

Liked the way they show the different players in the White House. Cynthia Nixon doesn't look or act like Nancy. The wig and outfits don't help. Tim Mathison acts and talks like Reagan even if he is younger.

Worth watching.

This movie does nothing but trash one of the greatest Presidents in History.