What makes life worth living is purpose

Rating: 10/10 (11 December 2008)

Historical characters and events are often tricky to put on film. The audience must distinguish if the story and characters are accurate portrayals or biased ones based on the director's opinion. In "Frost/Nixon" (adapted from Peter Morgan's play of the same name), director Ron Howard delivers a brilliant account of the infamous interview between former United States President Richard Nixon and television host David Frost. This could not have been done without the marvelous performances by Frank Langella and Michael Sheen. This combination of talent draws in the audience to feel every aspect of this historical account.
On August 9, 1974, Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) resigned as President of the United States of America. On the other side of the world in Australia, television host David Frost (Michael Sheen) watches as the President makes his dramatic exit from the White House. Ever ambitious, Frost decides to interview Nixon as he feels it will be a huge ratings grabber. Nixon sees it as a chance to redeem himself in the public spotlight. But when these two gladiators of the debate collide, in the end there can be only one winner.
In a subject matter such as this, it is easy to paint Nixon as an evil villain. Instead, Ron Howard does a great job of producing screenwriter Peter Morgan's unbiased telling of this time in history. Howard and Morgan create a witty game of cat and mouse between Frost and Nixon. Both figures think they can best the other in order to increase their own gain. Howard shows the trials and struggles of both sides as they plan their attack and feel the pressure of making the interview a success. Morgan creates an intellectual no hold barred fight to the death between the two men and shows they are more alike than they realize. Frost and Nixon simply want what any forgotten celebrity wants: another chance at the spotlight.
Frank Langella and Michael Sheen reprise their roles as Nixon and Frost respectively from their London play. Langella is wonderful as the ex-president. He does not play the role comically or outrageously. In his performance, Langella brings out the fighting, never-say-die aura out of Nixon that is almost admirable. He loves challenges, loves to fight, and is quite a skilled debater. Conversely, Langella also shows Nixon as a man beaten down by the sting of Watergate. And yet, he still thinks he can redeem himself. He carries himself in a slouchy posture and is slow moving. Langella shows that this is a man clearly burdened by guilt but cannot bring himself to admit he was wrong about anything. Michael Sheen is equally talented as David Frost. Sheen also shows Frost's longing for a return to American success. The opposite of Nixon, Frost hides his problems with charming smile and attitude that Sheen captures perfectly. He never lets on how bad things may with the production and is always eager to reassure his co-workers of the success. Sheen's best work is his reactions to whatever Nixon throws at him. The sheer look of disbelief and terror in what he has gotten himself into as he delves deeper into the project is remarkable.
In a movie such as this, there are no heroes and villains in the traditional sense. Howard and Morgan show that these are simply two men fighting for what could be the death of their careers. They simply want their success back and will do whatever they feel is necessary to attain it. Langella and Frost deliver gifted performances and are joined by the supporting talents of Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell, and Toby Keith. "Frost/Nixon" is not about clearing anyone's name or getting the truth. It is simply about the question: "What would you do to get your spotlight back?"
FROST/NIXON Grade: A