Dad's in Heaven with Nixon

Apr 6 2010 Not Rated 1h 26m
Documentary

Dad's in Heaven with Nixon is a 2010 documentary film produced, directed and written by Tom Murray. It concerns the history of the Murray family and especially of Tom's brother Chris Murray, a man with autism whose paintings of cityscapes, first promoted by family friend Gloria Vanderbilt, have garnered widespread praise. The title refers to Chris' belief that his late father, who loathed Richard Nixon, is now friends in heaven with the former president. Ranging over three generations of Murrays, whose patriarchs struggled with alcoholism and bipolar disorder, the film treats of subjects ranging from father-son relationships to the Great Depression, from the effects of divorce on families to the cushy lifestyle of the residents of Southhampton, New York.

Plot

Tom Murray presents his brother Chris (1960- ), through Chris's relationship to their mother, their father, who died when Chris was about 20, to Tom, to the two jobs Chris has in New Haven as a janitor and a supermarket stock boy, and to his art, sold through KS Art, a New York City gallery. Chris is autistic, living on his own for more than 30 years, navigating public transportation, affectionate with his mom and brother, certain that his father is in Heaven, keeping his eye on his sons and friends with Richard Nixon, a foe on earth. Chris's creations are cheerful landscapes of New York buildings, meticulously done in multi-media. He likes his life, just as it is.

Written by

Tom Murray

Directed by

Tom Murray

Cast

Tom Isenberg, Thomas E. Murray II, Christopher Murray

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Languages

English

Awards

N/A

Scores
# of Votes
189
Average Rating
7.6 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA