Frost/Nixon (Universal Pictures)
An American Tragedy
Frost/Nixon is a movie that is a boxing match, but in this film the jabs and punches are verbal rather than physical. It is a contest between David Frost (Michael Sheen) and Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) and it is riveting and entertaining.
The film takes place in the late 1970s when David Frost is a lightweight talk show host in London and Australia. He has had some success in America but that is behind him. He comes up with the idea to do a series of interviews with President Richard Nixon, who has resigned from the office of the Presidency in disgrace following the Watergate incident.
Nixon wants a chance to reassert himself into the world of politics and Frost wants a chance to make a name for himself with a controversial interview. Once the two sides agree to the form and content of the interviews, this duel of destiny is in motion.
This is a film about words and acting skills. The script by Peter Morgan, taken from his play of the same name, is amazing. He has the transcripts of the actual interviews but he also adds extraneous conversations that sound and feel like the real thing. There is a particular soliloquy by Nixon in the middle of the movie that is genius in its form and delivery. It is there that we get a glimpse as to the unanswered questions about Nixon the man.
Sheen is as fascinating here as he was as Tony Blair in The Queen. He is the quintessential supporting actor. He makes the lead role sparkle and shine in every way because he is so good as the counter point. It is a shame that this fine actor does not get the credit and awards he deserves.
As Frost he paints the picture of a man who is intelligent but is also a dilettante. He cares more about the glamour of his career than the execution of it. It is only when he is engaged in verbal combat with Nixon that he finds how important what he is doing is.
Frank Langella is absolutely brilliant as Nixon. The soliloquy scene alone should be enough to secure him the Oscar. He has the intonation of Nixons voice down to perfection and adds on certain movements and facial expressions that just nail the man. It is a performance that will be studied by acting classes for years to come.
The film is rated R for profanity and brief nudity.
Sam Rockwell, Kevin Bacon, Matthew Mcfadyen and Oliver Pratt offer strong support as advisors of either Frost or Nixon. Patty McCormack, who gained fame many years ago as Rhoda in The Bad Seed, returns to the screen as Pat Nixon.
Ron Howard brilliantly directs the film and keeps it interesting even though the focus is on words and not actions. He elicits strong performances from even the smallest players.
Frost/Nixon is a movie that will educate you, but it will also entertain. It definitely is one of the best movies of the past year. Heres hoping the Academy Awards voters think this too.
I scored Frost/Nixon a debatable 8 out of 10.
