Frost/Nixon Details

Brilliant

I wasn't expecting too much from this movie, which depicts events that occurred just outside my political radar as I was too hormonal at the time and so the 'momentousness' of the occasion passed me by. Add to that I have always found 'Frostie' to be smarmy and overrated and the idea of a movie all about an interview seemed to hold out the possibility I was going to fall asleep pretty quickly.

Often low expectations are the best way to see a movie, and I was instantly absorbed by the authentic 70s atmosphere that was created and of the hints at all the political intrigue taking place, with more than a few parallels with the Bush administration. Performances were slightly understated, which turned out to be just the right approach and by the end of the movie I was fully ready to be convinced I was actually watching Frost and Nixon. I have also revised my opinion of Frostie following this, incidentally; flawed he may be but I have a new respect for this achievement at least.

Now I have to watch the original and read everything I can find to fill in the inevitable gaps left by a 2 hr movie, and of course then to watch it again on DVD when it comes out so I can pause it now and then. After I watch it again maybe 5 stars?

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[Highly rated reviewer]

INSIDE DEEP THROAT.

Director Ron Howard pulls together a great cast in re-capturing the now legendary interview between David Frost and Ex President Richard Nixon.This is an electrifying, untold story of all the behind the scenes deals and wrangleings before the interview took place, leading all to the powerful admition by Nixon that he was wrong and tricked the American people. Michael Sheen is on top form as he perfectly captures the essence of Frost, with all the facial ticks and drawls perfectly in place, Fank Langella as Nixon gives his greatest performance to date, Langella is so good he even overshadows Anthony Hopkinks portrayal in Oliver Stones 1994 movie Nixon. Langella plays Nixon as a very arrogant, but also very wounded by the Watergate scandal that made him resign from office. The support cast are also stella that includes the always excellent Kevin Bacon as Nixon's loyal advisor, Oliver Platt and Sam Rockwell as Frost's reserchers also give great turns. But the film would not work if the re-inactments of the interviews were dull, and Howard makes them crackle with tension, as Frost and Nixon try to out think each other as Nixon desperatly try's to skirt around the Watergate issues, leading up to the brilliant final Watergate interview where Frost finaly gets the upper hand and turns the tables on tricky Dicky.

Credit should go to Director Howard for turning the well regarded stage play to film, as although he plays loose on some of the facts between the relationship between Frost and Nixon to add drama, the film is still a very accurate account of when the world stopped and watched TV to see this out of his depth interviewer take on the one time most pomerful man alive.

This is a intelligent history lesson that is superb gripping entertainment.