Frost/Nixon

HUGE

I was stationed in Korea back in 1977, so I never got a chance to see the famous interview celebrated talk show host David Frost had with the late former President Richard Nixon. Now that I’ve seen Ron Howard’s film, I seriously regret not being part of the millions of people who witnessed what was probably, one of the most shocking confessions in history by a man who once held the most powerful office in the world.

We are taken back to the early 70’s,via real- life flashbacks of news reports, when the infamous Watergate scandal began. I do remember those turbulent days. The break in to the Democratic National Headquarters, the never ending tv coverage including congressional hearings and of course Nixon’s resigning from the office of the President of the United States (the first in history), is thoroughly covered in the opening montage without being longwinded.

Naturally, our 37th president’s self eviction is seen around the world, including down under where British talk show host David Frost( Michael Sheen) has just wrapped another episode of Frost Across Australia. Despite his rep as a soft interviewer, he broaches the idea of actually having Nixon as an interviewee to his employers in London. Initially, the idea is deemed too far fetched by his producer John Birt. But Frost’s enthusiasm - and talk of high tv ratings- convinces him otherwise. He assembles a crackerjack investigation team including Bob Zelnik (Oliver Platt) and James Reston Jr. (Sam Rockwell) to help him with the line of questioning.

Blu ray

Ron Howard has always been an exceptional director. I know I must have disturbed my neighbors cheering for him when he finally won his first Oscar for A Beautiful Mind. Howard has proven has proven time and again that he is not limited to any particular genre. From comedies (Splash), serious drama (Ransom), to period epics like Far and Away, he always adapts to the material. He succeeds in drawing the most from his ensemble casts, both lead and supporting. And Frost/Nixon is no exception.

When I first heard that seasoned actor Frank Langella was playing Nixon, I admit I was a little wary (just as I was about Daniel Craig playing James Bond). He didn’t look exactly like him of course. But once you hear the low, smooth utterances and see the gestures and mannerisms, Langella vanishes from view and all you see is a disgraced Commander-in-Chief trying to put his life back together. He effectively portrays Nixon as more of a victim rather than a crook.

His potential kill-joy, David Frost is played by the multi-talented Michael Sheen, who immerses himself into the persona as well as he did with Prime Minister Tony Blair in The Queen and Lucian in Underworld : Rise of the Lycans. Sheen’s Frost is a fun loving guy, having a unique flair for mixing business with pleasure - and smiling a lot. He’s definitely the antithesis of Nixon in the way he carries himself, both publicly and professionally. You certainly wouldn’t think of him first when going mono e mono with someone like Tricky Dick.

Frost and Nixon’s proverbial battle of wits over the 4 day interview is as engaging as a boxing match or light saber duel. You’re anxiously looking for a knock out punch, a death strike otherwise. Both are ably supported in their efforts, notably Nixon’s Chief-of-Staff Jack Brennan (Kevin Bacon) who is determined to see that the former President suffers no more dishonor than he’s already experienced.

Adapted from his20own original stage play, Peter Morgan has crafted a pile driver that strikes at the very heart of the Watergate scandal. He is faithful to the real life characters attitudes, virtues and foibles and their interactions with one another, both friendly and Hostile. It is also a story of redemption, of removing heavy burdens and most importantly, acknowledging that none of us, not even the president, is perfect.