Masterful interpretation

Rating: 8/10 (30 January 2009)

When actors are asked to play real people in films, the results can be mixed. In this case however, Michael Sheen and Frank Langella produce two of the best performances as real historical characters that I have ever seen on film.
Langella's Nixon is brilliant - I had been concerned that he didn't look enough like him, or that he was too tall etc. but all that becomes secondary as he breathes such compelling life into this controversial character. And I found Sheen's Frost to be absolutely pitch perfect, so much so that I was never distracted by thoughts of a misplaced vocal quirk or gesture. His performance as Tony Blair in 'The Queen' was similarly accurate and I await his portrayal of Brian Clough in 'The Damned United' with baited breath.
But aside from the performances, the massive strength of the film is its ability to find balance and harmony with the characters, and the marvellous way in which a film simply about a political interview is made gripping for two hours (and could easily have been longer). Both men are presented at times as troubled, careless and flawed but also funny, generous and steeped in integrity in equal measure. There are times when we see Nixon as a money-obsessed bigot, and other times when he is a contrite and courageous soul. Similarly, we see Frost both as a happy-go-lucky playboy and as a feckless, unreliable showbiz type. Our minds are not made up for us as to which of these is the more accurate portrayal of each character.
The supporting cast is largely excellent with the glamorous Rebecca Hall well-cast as Caroline Cushing, and Oliver Platt and Sam Rockwell as Frost's colleagues. I found the only slight mis-step to be Matthew Macfadyen's John Birt, whose stuffy English producer role was rather unlikeable and tended to add little to the scenes he featured in. However, Kevin Bacon's loyal-as-a-dog aide to Nixon is always interesting.
Even if you are familiar with the story and the interview, the film is always tense. The interview scenes are unbelievably so, even at the times when you are only seeing the expressions on the faces of the protagonists. As it reaches its climax, it is impossible not to feel a heady mix of emotions toward both men, not to mention feel somewhat drained at its climax.
Whilst I would say an interest in politics would help in watching this film, I would also say that anyone who simply appreciates brilliant acting and wonderfully scripted exchanges should make an effort to see Frost/Nixon. You are not likely to be disappointed.