Don't nix this flick, no matter what your feelings are for Nixon! It is a wonderfully compelling film!

Rating: 8/10 (25 January 2009)

David Frost (Michael Sheen) is an up and coming British talk show host in 1977. He is very ambitious and he also has an eye for the ladies. One day, he hears that if he could get Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) on his show, it would boost his image and credibility, especially if he could trick "Tricky Dick" into admissions of error and guilt. John Birt (Matthew Macfadyen), a close friend of David's and a producer, thinks its a good idea but wonders how they will come up with the money to entice Nixon to commit to the interviews. Working on a shoestring and borrowed money, the two Brits succeed in getting the former president to agree to a series of four conversations. Soon after, Frost and Birt travel to San Clemente to meet the fallen leader and find a venue for their talks. Guarding the situation is Nixon's ally, Jack Brennan (Kevin Bacon), who is hoping Nixon can redeem himself with his own explanations and turn the tables on the inexperienced Frost. So, the stage is set. Helping Frost in his preparations are two American journalists (Oliver Platt and Sam Rockwell), each of them a Nixon-loather. Will Frost succeed in getting Nixon's to admit his law-breaking errors in judgment? This is a fine, fine film based on an equally fine stage play. For everyone who thinks they know enough about Nixon, don't believe it! Even the most die-hard Tricky Dick "haters" will have their eyes opened by Nixon's terrific mind and fighting spirit. As Nixon, Langella gives a tremendous performance, for although he does not physically resemble Nixon much, he MAKES the viewer believe he is, indeed, the former president. Sheen holds his own well against such a co-star, giving a great turn as the outwardly confident, inwardly insecure talk show personality. Of course, it is wonderful to see Macfadyen again (the whole world fell for him in Pride and Prejudice and loved him in Death at a Funeral) and he does not disappoint in his role as a sunny-haired, astute producer. Platt and Rockwell, too, deserve big applause for their wit and dogged determination in their roles as advisers who wish to slice Nixon into little pieces. Viewers will also love the rest of the cast, including Bacon, McCormack, and the rest of the players. Then, too, Nixon's mansion in San Clemente is so utterly gorgeous, everyone will be making plans to buy a winning lotto ticket and get an estate just like it. Costumes and hairstyles nicely show that 70's style while production values, script and direction are very, very fine, too. In brief, don't nix Frost/Nixon, whatever you do! It is a fine recreation of a the interviews that showed the world Nixon's strengths and his weaknesses and made a name out of the attention-seeking but talented Frost.