Frost/Nixon

Frost/Nixon (2008)
Directed by Ron Howard
Length: 122 minutes
Rated R for some language




Over the years, Ron Howard has directed Oscar worthy movies that are considered modern classics, such as Cinderella Man and A Beautiful Mind. His most recent film was well received and nominated for many Oscars, but is this most recent best picture nominee as deserving as his past? The answer, sadly, is a resounding no. Like most politicians, Frost/Nixon is 75% dry postulating followed by 25% productivity that actually makes a meaningful impact.

Frost/Nixon is a based on the series of interviews that took place in the later 1970s between David Frost, a British television personality, and Richard Nixon, who had recently resigned from the presidency. While it is known that the movie is a more dramatized version of what truly transpired, the interview between Frost and Nixon was a significant event since it served as the one true public confession of guilt by Nixon. Based on the play of the same name, Frost/Nixon tries to showcase a more human side of Nixon while still serving as a searing analysis of the only United States President to ever resign from office.

The movie obviously hinges on the portrayal of Richard Nixon, in this case played by the Oscar nominated Frank Langella (The Tale of Despereaux, The Box). Langella previously played Nixon in the Broadway performance of Frost/Nixon and won a Tony award for his performance. True to his winning performance, Langella's success as the 37th president continues here. Beyond all the mannerisms, gestures, voice, and posture, the humanistic approach to the character is a refreshing approach. Considered to be one of the most infamous persons in American history, Langella almost forces you to sympathize with the man we so often hate. It is apparent how much work this actor has put into understanding not only the image of the man but the man himself. Of all the actors to play Nixon in some capacity, no one can compare to the performance rendered by Langella.

While the rest of the actors in this film are well known and experienced in their own right, I felt that the movie did a poor job of allowing you to develop a relationship or an opinion like you do with Nixon's character. Presented in a documentary style, the movie feels rushed and a bit boring. Most of the characters introduced are never really allowed to develop or miraculously evolve overnight. Case in point, Michael Sheen (New Moon, Blood Diamond) as David Frost changes from a cheesy variety show host into a piercing journalist in search of the truth. While there's nothing to say this change didn't happen in actuality, I find it hard to believe that one drunk phone call from the former President changed Frost's approach to the interviews and ultimately lead to one of the most successful interviews in television history.

As I stated earlier, the first 3/4 of the movie feels like a wash. Most of it is back story; while needed, it all seems like filler until the moment of truth: the moment Frost became a journalist and actually searched for the truth. The last thirty minutes of the film are great, and make the movie worthy of a view; however, I hate the fact that a great performance by Frank Langella is reduced the last few scenes, most of which you have seen from the trailer and talk show clips. I would recommend this film, mainly for the performance by Langella; a role that turns a man so often despised into a more accessible and understandable man. While certainly not a terrible movie, I struggle to understand how this film deserved a nomination for Best Picture over The Dark Knight or even Wall-E.

Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
David Frost: "I have an idea for an interview: Richard Nixon."
John Birt: "You're a talk show host. I spent yesterday watching you interview the Bee Gees."
David Frost: "Weren't they terrific?"

Oscar Nominations:
Best Achievement in Directing-Ron Howard
Best Achievement in Editing
Best Motion Picture
Best Actor in a Leading Role-Frank Langella
Best Adapted Screenplay