'The Assassination Of Richard Nixon' (R) (out of four popcorns)

Most of us have periods in our lives where the gray completely overtakes us. Nothing is going right and it seems the harder we try to dig our way out, the deeper the hole of futility gets.

This mindset is the life of Sam Bicke (Sean Penn) in 1974 -- a poor schlub with poor self esteem who wants to be a salesman, but hates having to be deceitful to close a sale. His wife is divorcing him, his kids could care less, and his boss makes him listen to Dale Carnegie tapes to learn how to be a better schmoozer.

His only real friend is Bonne Simmons (Don Cheadle) -- a levelheaded mechanic who understands that sometimes you have to suck up the bad to get what you want and to be happy.

It's a lesson Sam just can't grasp, and with each defeat or putdown he grows more indignant, more angry and more determined to find a way to make his mark in the world.

At one point, Sam even marches into the Black Panthers' office, trying to convince them to let him join because he identifies with their struggle with oppression.

As Sam struggles, the embodiment of what he despises most -- becoming a success through lying, cheating and manipulation -- is all around him -- in the newspapers, on the radio and on the TV. Sam believes that President Richard Nixon is the reason decent people like himself can't get a break.

Inspired by a true story, Penn basically has this movie to himself. His portrayal of Sam's progression into insanity and violence is so specific and so subtle that we actually start to understand how this man could take so wrong a turn. We understand the dignity he is craving, but not his methods for getting it.

"The Assassination of Richard Nixon" is a film that is difficult to get involved in. It is slowly paced, drab to the point of colorlessness, and relentlessly oppressive. But if you are patient, director Niels Mueller's method becomes clear. He forces us to feel the utter hopelessness that Sam feels. Ultimately, we identify with his rage and determination never to be forgotten.

Penn has long been one of the best actors of his generation, but this role puts him in a whole new stratosphere of talent. His performance, alone, makes "The Assassination of Richard Nixon" an unforgettable experience at the movies.