Frost/Nixon Review

I would have wrote spoiler on the title, but anyone who remembers the Nixon years, and or, read the book who know what happen in the movie.

The Sum Up

Oscar-winning director Ron Howard (“A Beautiful Mind” and “The Andy Griffith Show”) brings to the screen, writer Peter Morgan’s  (“The Queen,” “The Last King of Scotland”) amazing battle between Richard Nixon, the disgraced president with a legacy to save, and David Frost, a television personality with a name to make, in the untold story of the historic encounter that changed both.

Reprising their roles from Peter Morgan’s Tony Award winning stageplay are Frank Langella, who won a Tony for his portrayal of Nixon, and Michael Sheen (“The Queen”), who fully inhabited the part of Frost onstage in London and New York. For three years after being forced from office, Nixon remained silent. But in summer 1977, the steely, cunning former commander-in-chief agreed (After asking for an insane amount of money) to sit for a one-on-one all-inclusive interview to confront the questions of his time in office and the Watergate scandal that ended his presidency. Nixon surprised everyone in selecting Frost as his televised confessor, intending to easily outfox the breezy British showman and secure a place in the hearts and minds of Americans.

Likewise, Frost’s team harbored doubts about their boss’ ability to hold his own. But as cameras rolled, a charged battle of wits resulted. Would Nixon evade questions of his role in one of the nation’s greatest disgraces? Or would Frost confound critics and bravely demand accountability from the man who’d built a career out of stonewalling? Over the course of their encounter, each man would reveal his own insecurities, ego and reserves of dignity — ultimately setting aside posturing in a stunning display of unvarnished truth.

The Good

“Frost Nixon” not only re-creates the on-air interview, but the weeks of around-the-world, behind-the-scenes maneuvering between the two men and their camps as negotiations were struck, deals were made and secrets revealed. . . all leading to the moment at the end. Not only did this movie recreate the time very well, but the actors portrayed them so well that when watching the Forst/Nixon intreview, I was awestruck with how well they played each character. Which isn’t a big s big surprise sinc ethey have been playing the characters for so long.

The Bad

I really have nothing bad to say other than, on occasion the camera pan over and light glares would flare up here and there. Normally that sort of thing doesn’t bother me, but when it happens a little to often then it starts to get frustrating. At one point I had to squint my eyes because it was so bright.

All-in-All

I give this movie a 9.5 out of 10. Again those glares and the brightness!

~ by soggiehasnoface on January 24, 2009.