Documentary

Watergate (2018): Cast & Ratings

Name: Watergate
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2018-10-12
Duration: 4 h 20 min
Cast: Carl Bernstein, John Dean, Mark Dexter, Douglas Hodge, Pat Buchanan

Watergate is a 2018 documentary directed by Charles Ferguson, starring Carl Bernstein, John Dean and Mark Dexter. It runs 4 hours 20 minutes. Critics gave it 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.

IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
Echo Score: 73
Metascore: 73

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Released: October 12, 2018
Runtime: 4h 20m (260 min)
Director: Charles Ferguson
Genre: Documentary
Original language: English
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is Watergate About?

The premise of Watergate without spoilers.

This documentary provides an in-depth look at the Watergate scandal, utilizing an extensive collection of over 3,400 hours of audio tapes, archival footage, and declassified documents. The film explores the inner workings of the crisis and offers a nuanced perspective by interweaving historical events with present-day reflections from key figures such as Carl Bernstein, Bob Woodward, and John Dean. Through their recollections and the revealed evidence, the documentary uncovers surprising parallels relevant to contemporary issues.

Watergate Themes & Keywords

· 8 tags

nixon
reenactment
american history
president of the united states
washington d.c.
american politics
u.s. politician
1970s

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Cast & crew

Watergate Cast & Characters

Carl Bernstein leads the cast, with John Dean and Mark Dexter as John Dean. Directed by Charles Ferguson; 11 actors are credited in all.

Director Charles Ferguson

Carl Bernstein as themselves
John Dean as themselves
Mark Dexter as John Dean
Douglas Hodge as Richard Nixon

Also Starring in Watergate

· 7 more

Ratings

Watergate Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Watergate 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in art & craft (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

73 /100

Watergate Echo Score Breakdown

Watergate offers a well-researched exploration of its namesake scandal, combining rich archival materials with first-hand testimonials. Critics generally praise the film’s structured narrative for delivering clarity even amid a dense, four-hour runtime, though some note that certain storytelling devices can undercut deeper insight. The direction and editing maintain a steady pace that sustains engagement, while the immersive use of archival footage enhances the historical context. Overall, Watergate delivers a mostly compelling overview that balances thoroughness with sustained attention to detail.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

Art & Craft 75

In terms of Art & Craft, the film demonstrates consistent editorial and directorial control in managing extensive historical materials. The incorporation of archival footage alongside recent interviews is handled with measured pacing and clarity. Certain transitional devices occasionally feel overused, but overall the production maintains cohesion and effectively supports the documentary’s expository objectives.
Character & Emotion 70

When it comes to Character & Emotion, the documentary draws on a substantial roster of first-hand witnesses, which lends authenticity and emotional weight. Interview segments are thoughtfully edited to convey varied perspectives, though individual backstories sometimes receive limited development. The assembled testimonies foster a resonant portrayal of accountability and tension, resulting in a generally engaging emotional register.
Story & Flow 75

In terms of Story & Flow, Watergate presents a meticulously structured narrative that guides viewers through complex political events with clarity. The film balances a comprehensive historical account with a pace that rarely lags, sustaining engagement across its four-hour length. Minor structural interludes can interrupt thematic momentum, yet the overall progression remains coherent and compelling.
Sensory Experience 72

When evaluating Sensory Experience, the film employs an understated visual style rooted in archival television footage, which reinforces the period atmosphere. The milky textures and authentic news clips establish a consistent visual tone, complemented by a restrained sound design. While the documentary favors factual presentation over stylistic flourish, the sensory elements effectively support its immersive historical retelling.
Rewatch Factor 60

In terms of Rewatch Factor, the documentary’s density of factual detail and layered archival content offer occasions for further analysis on subsequent viewings. The breadth of testimony may reward scholarly revisit, yet the extensive runtime and limited narrative surprises could deter casual repeat audiences. Overall, the film’s depth yields moderate lasting appeal primarily for viewers with a strong interest in political history.