Review of Frost/Nixon (2008) by Gregory G — 10 May 2010

A compelling historical drama recreating the television interviews between British talk show host David Frost (Michael Sheen) and disgraced former President Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) that focused on his presidency, particularly involving Watergate.

Based on a stage play by Peter Morgan that he adapted for the screen, Ron Howard directed this version which brings surprising tension to a story that we already know the outcome to. (Howard accomplished a similar feat in "Apollo 13.

") The interview is a battle of wills between two people trying to rehabilitate their careers along with financial gain. Frost is viewed as a bit of a lightweight who outmaneuvers Nixon's obfuscations, getting the President to admit he "let the American people down.

" There are some inaccuracies and a fabricated scene of a drunk Nixon phoning Frost that strain credibility. The overall importance of the interviews has been elevated. Despite these flaws, this is the most mature movie of Howard's career with a minimal amount of sentimentality.

Great performances by Langella and Sheen. Langella, who may not look like Nixon, avoids mimicry while embodying Nixon's talents for compartmentalizing along with his insecurities. Sheen holds his own and lets us see Frost's changing attitude towards Nixon.

With Sam Rockwell, Kevin Bacon, Matthew McFadyen, Oliver Platt, Rebecca Hall, Toby Jones, Patty McCormack.