A Battle Of Intellects

Rating: 8/10 (11 March 2017)

After the Watergate event that precipitated the demise of President Nixon, the nation anxiously waited for the interview that would very likely define the Nixon legacy. "Frost/Nixon" chronicles the process behind (and during) that very interview.
For a basic plot summary, the film looks at two primary areas: the creation of the interview, which includes the odd choice of David Frost (Michael Sheen), and then the actual interview of Nixon (Frank Langella) itself, depicted as a battle of intellectual wits between both camps.
What really makes this movie stand out is the incredible tension that director Ron Howard creates. Because of the deceit that Watergate perpetuated, as well as the pardon of Nixon by Gerald Ford that left much of the nation feeling that justice had not been served, this interview felt more important than just a few hours of airtime. Howard really captures that intensity, especially towards the end during the part of the interview that is now so well-known.
On a quick note, Langella is as good of a "Nixon" as is humanly possible. At times, when the camera angle and his posture is right, you'll think that the former President is actually on screen himself.
If you lived through that time period and remember it well, this film will likely flood you with a wave of nostalgia (both good and bad). However, I was born in 1985 and was STILL entranced by this film, knowing hardly anything going in about the interview.
Thus, for all fans of political/cultural dramas, this is a worthwhile watch. It could have done a few things better, but overall it accomplishes its mission nicely: to re-create the importance and cultural relevance of those Frost/Nixon interviews.