Frost/Nixon

Synopsis

Academy Award winning director Ron Howard brings the riveting, historical interview between David Frost and Former President Richard Nixon to the big screen. For three years, Nixon reamined very silent after being forced from office, with much of the country wanting some answers about his conduct in office. In 1977, Nixon decided to face questions about his time in office (i.e. the Watergate scandal) with jet-setting television personality David Frost, a presumably softball interview. Nixon and the entire world underestimated Frost.

Review

“When the President does it, it’s not illegal.”

That’s a great scene and a great line in this film. Frank Langella (Superman Returns) plays the perfect Nixon. His mannerisms, his voice, everything was Nixon. It was quite impressive. And I must not forget the double peace sign. I don' know why that cracks me up. With actors that can play their characters to perfection, Front/Nixon delivers quailty dialogue and surprisingly great movie experience.

You would think this would be a boring movie because it's essentially the story of interviews people have seen years ago. How can they spin this and make it an entertaining, full-length film? Well, that’s exactly what the director Ron Howard did. Ron has come a long way from Happy Days with the Fonz. It was great story telling. There was some suspense, humor, superb writing, and an excellent and very talented cast. The movie and title idea was clever to have Frost’s name first. To focus on a smaller figure and not on bigger-than-life Nixon gives the film a different twist that makes you more interested in the story.

Frost/Nixon is a historical drama based on the play of the same name by Peter Morgan. It’s centered on four days of TV interviews by British talk show host David Frost in 1977 with former President Richard Nixon. Nixon just knew he could outsmart the whimsical British talk show host David Frost and deliver an interview that made him look like a statesman. Nixon had remained tightlipped for three years after leaving office in disgrace. The sly ex president agreed to sit for an all-inclusive interview about his time in office and the Watergate scandal. He knew by picking Frost as his interviewer he could easily find a way with his wit to lock down a place in the minds and hearts of Americans. Mmm, so he thought. He admitted what everyone knew, but did he have to skirt for 3 years or so?

The movie sucks you in because Frost and Nixon’s personalities are so interesting. The camera captures the actors excellent recreations: Nixon’s obviosuly coy and suspicious demeanor, and Frosts quirky yet ambitious intellect. Even though you know that Nixon fesses up in the end, you’ll spend time wondering how Frost is ever going to outsmart Nixon. Don’t worry—you won’t fall asleep because no one is getting capped.

This cast was so impressive. Michael Sheen (The Queen) as Frost added a very special touch. He had a wonderful smile and bubbly personality that was total opposite of Nixon’s. Funny thing is, even as adversaries, they had great chemistry. The supporting cast included Mr. Footloose Kevin Bacon (The Air I Breathe) as the rigid Jack Brennan (Nixon’s aide), who added some great touches. He did a wonderful job of showing how much he cared about Nixon and his image. Finally, whatever you know about Nixon, this film humanizes him, and Langella does a superb job of painting the face of someone who obviosly can’t hide his disappointments forever.

I know, I know—this movie seems like a film that you could wait until DVD. No one wants to listen to dialogue before hitting the club or bars. This is true. Although, this is a remarkable movie that is perfect for a rent day, your money wouldn’t be wasted either checking it out at the showcase. It’s a dialogue film filled with wit and great lines. The screenwriting is very impressive and good old Happy Days did a amazing job at directing to make the movie much more interesting than the original interviews. Your call.

My Rating ~ 4 Reels

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