The Assassination of Richard Nixon (2004)

Relax. This isn’t “Inglourious Basterds.” Tricky Dick survives “The Assassination of Richard Nixon.” But back in 1974, Samuel Byck – failed salesman, rejected husband and nut-job loser -- did try to off Nixon. The method: Hijack a commercial jet with the intent of crashing it into the White House. Some 26 years before 9/11. This spooky drama is a fictional take on the unraveling of Byck, played by Sean Penn, and re-named Sam Bicke for full “Taxi Driver” homage. (Wait, was Travis Bickle named in honor of Byck?) When Bicke’s ticking time-bomb bell rings, the violence is shocking. To us, post 9/11. And to Bicke. Penn is brilliant in the role, of course. But even at 95 minutes, the film seems long. This dirt clod could have remained under the rug, forgotten. B+