Review of Frost/Nixon (2008) by Sam P — 11 Apr 2012

Frost/Nixon was a film Iâ(TM)d been tempted by since it first premiered, I was never really interested in the political side, but more the fact there was two impressive performers taking the main roles. The overall storyline was going to be simplistic, an interview between David Frost and former disgraced President Nixon. However, the build up to the main interview was very impressive, slowly cranking up the tension, building up Frost as the underdog, which led to a wonderful climatic scene for the final interview.

There was some great supporting acts, in performances from actors such as Kevin Bacon, Oliver Platt, Matthew Macfadyen and Sam Rockwell, granted not the main important acts but adding good back-up performances and helping build up the climatic interview.

However, Michael Sheen and Frank Llangella were the brilliant double act that the film relied upon. Michael Sheen is a seemingly born showman, his cheery facade masking a deeply veiled character, desperate and plummeting to ruin for his interview. This, coupled with the seemingly monotone style of Llangella, masking a vastly intelligent and dangerous Nixon, make a great partnership, and you can tell why Ron Howard, whose direction is good here as well, desired the original actors to perform in the film.

The most amazing thing is how cerebral the film is, how deeply intellectual conversation builds up the tension and characters. You donâ(TM)t need flashy explosions, just two good actors battling one another, wonderful film.