All the President's Men

It is not the definitive movie on Watergate, but it is, for the Seventies, a definitive movie about the American character, and as such, one of the most important film experiences of the decade.

Removed from its topical urgency, it remains a vigorously entertaining pursuit of accuracy and accountability. Revisited, it's clear how much inspiration David Fincher took for Zodiac to depict investigative reporting and workplace dynamics.

A bravura piece of filmmaking to rank alongside his earlier 'paranoia' gem, The Parallax View.

A timely political drama for the Trump reign.

Pakula was clearly talented from the moment he lensed his first feature, but like so many other New Hollywood icons, nationwide recognition didn't come until he took on the story of one of the great con jobs on the American people, the Watergate scandal.