strong docu-drama about one of the important moments in this history of America and of television

Rating: 9/10 (19 April 2009)

Between two Dan Brown movies Ron Howard directed this strong docu-drama about one of the most controversial presidents in the American history. The interview that Richard Nixon gave to the British talk-shows host David Frost in 1977 was seen by Nixon as a means to rebuilt his public image badly damaged by the Watergate scandal. By selecting Frost a non-American and apparent outsider as a interviewer he was hoping to find a more easy or good willing partner of discussion, but he missed the fact that the born-for-TV professional also saw in this confrontation the big chance of his career. The resulting minds fight between the two is the focus of the film.
There is a second and also very interesting plan of discussion here. David Frost was not a political commentator, or even an investigation journalist. He was a talk shows host, and the question asked is whether entertainment television can be up for the task of catching such important moments in the life of the nation. The answer given in the film is positive, although in real life I am not sure if this great TV moment was not rather the exception than the rule.
As in other films of his Howard is great in bringing to screen the works of great and fascinating minds. He is helped here by the fabulous acting of two actors who are not stars but approach bravely the roles and gave big performances, not by trying to mimic the physical appearances of their heroes but more by focusing on their characters. Especially Frank Langella is bright in his rendition of Nixon, a role previously played by Anhony Hopkins in the 1995 biographical film. Langella's Nixon is less brutal and more complex and sophisticated than Hopkins made him on screen, he is a great conservative communicator, a Reagan avant-la-lettre. His human dimension as well as the limitations due to his conservative approach to life and policies show obviously. At least on screen thanks to Langella's performance Nixon's image seems somehow rehabilitated.