Who knew a verbal sparring match between a British talk show host and a disgraced ex-U.S. President could be so mesmerizing. At times this movie almost feels like a thriller with its behind-the-scenes rush for evidence, secret conversations in the middle of the night and nail biter outcome. Those of us who remember the events of Watergate might not necessarily savor re-living them, but there's no denying that director Ron Howard and screenwriter Peter Morgan have put a fascinating new spin on those dark days. Documentary footage helps set the background for the Watergate break-in as well as Nixon's resignation and pardon by new President Gerald Ford. The real meat of this story, though, centers on two men: David Frost (Michael Sheen) and Richard M. Nixon (Frank Langella) as they prepare for a televised war of wills that turns out to be anything but predictable. Both parties assemble a team of researchers and advisers as though preparing for congressional hearings, which speaks volumes to the power of the tube. On Frost's side we have John Birt (Matthew Macfadyen), Bob Zelnick (Oliver Platt) and James Reston Jr. (Sam Rockwell) along with Frost's latest lady love Caroline (Rebecca Hall) for moral support. Jack Brennan (Kevin Bacon) leads the team for Nixon's side with even Diane Sawyer (Kate Jennings Grant) along for the ride. Will the dilletante Frost manage to elicit an apology to the American people from the cagey Tricky Dick? Or will Nixon run roughshod over the underfunded talk show host who spends much of his time desperately trying to obtain funding for the show? It turns out to be a rollercoaster ride well worth taking for the audience, not only for its historical interest but also for the marvelous writing, directing and performances that make this film hum.
Frank Langella's astounding transformation into Richard Nixon, particularly in his vocal shadings and body language, are particularly impressive since he doesn't really physically resemble Nixon at all. Though Michael Sheen has the unenviable task of bringing David Frost to life, he does an excellent job and the two stars bring plenty of chemistry to their encounters. Director Ron Howard has avoided the sentimentality that sometimes ruin his films for me, making this strange subject matter impressively compelling with great editing and casting. I never saw the television interviews so I'm left wondering how accurately the movie captured the real events, but even without knowing such details "Frost/Nixon" stands on its own as a surprisingly entertaining film.
Things to love about this movie: Terrific supporting performances that really add to the action; Oliver Platt's hilarious Nixon impersonation in one scene
Things to hate about this movie: As usual, the lone female presence in the movie is a throwaway girlfriend who does little but smile and support her man (a waste of an appealing actress such as Rebecca Hall)
Pleasant surprises: Richard Nixon comes off as a multi-dimensional person; Kevin Bacon works as a military man (who knew); seeing Patty McCormack as Pat Nixon; John Birt running naked into the ocean (cheers)
Unpleasant surprises: Toby Jones is a bit boring as Swifty Lazar (even if he does look the part)
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Not too much to add to your review. Langella truly does inhabit the character and it is more astonishing when you consider that he actually bears no physical resemblance to Nixon.
Agreed - what a waste of Toby Jones and Rebecca Hall. I thought we were past the era of the faithful girlfriend.
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