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Frost/Nixon
Directed by: Ron Howard Starring: Frank Langella Genre: Drama Run Time: 122 min. Release Date: January 2009 On The Web: Official Site Teaser: Movie Trailer Reviewed by Byron Merritt |
Those with an interest in recent history will find FROST NIXON a gripping yarn about the fall of former President Richard Nixon from the highest office in our great nation. Thanks to the Watergate break-in, everything corrupt that has anything to do with governmental conspiracies is now labeled with the -gate suffix. There was, of course, a completely different side to Richard Nixon beyond his contemptible actions surrounding this obvious cover up (mainly his opening up of the East and his diplomatic skills that are often underscored thanks to his resignation). But we’re not here to talk about them. We’re here to find out what could be so engrossing about two men bantering back and forth on a news interview. No doubt the best part of Frost Nixon is Frank Langella (GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK) as the former President. His mannerisms, strong voice, and facial expressions were spot-on, earning him a much deserved Oscar nod for Best Actor (Sean Penn took home the award in 2009 for MILK ...another stellar performance but it was a close race). I’m not going to take anything away from Michael Sheen as Aussie reporter David Frost. Sheen’s performances are usually excellent, including his role as Tony Blair in THE QUEEN. And here he’s just as good, it’s just that Langella rules every scene they’re in (this is obvious since Langella got nominated in just about every major awards ceremony while Sheen did not). I really enjoyed much of the back story surrounding David Frost, too. It was the cornerstone of his success but it also nearly bankrupt him. No one wanted to back him financially, and then trying to find television stations willing to air it was incredibly difficult. But once they heard what Frost had done, the flood gates opened and the interview became the news event of the decade. Director Ron Howard proves that he’s still "got it," even though I wasn’t too happy with some of his more recent productions, including THE DA VINCI CODE. But his previous works, including APOLLO 13, A BEAUTIFUL MIND and COCOON, far outweigh any negatives I could say about him. And Frost Nixon rates right up there with one of his higher accomplishments. That it was filmed on-location at many of the locales where the actual interviews and meetings took place adds an additional sense of realism for the viewer, too (and it was nice to know). I really enjoyed, too, how pitiable yet ferocious he made Nixon; probably something that wasn’t too far off the mark. Frost Nixon is a definite film to watch, and it’s a great historical visual aid that can act as a warning to those who would use their power for their own purposes rather than the good of the people. A must see.
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Images from Frost/Nixon
DVD cost: $31.98 Film Review Stew Favorite? No. Stew Poo-Poo? No. Newsworthy: Even while off-camera, all of the actors would remain in character and continue the Frost/Nixon rivalry by bickering and making fun of each other. Movie Quote: "That's our tragedy, you and I Mr. Frost. No matter how high we get, they still look down at us."
Other Actors/Actresses from Frost/Nixon
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