Inevitably a little dull in parts but still an undeniably good film that holds your attention to the end

Rating: 7/10 (31 January 2009)

STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning
In 1974, David Frost (Michael Sheen) a bright, up and coming young TV presenter, made history by arranging to interview soon to be outed President Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) at an address over in the States. With his most famous achievement, a once popular game show over in Austrailia, on the brink, this interview hinged on Frost's career. But interference from hanger's on on Nixon's side and Frost's lack of bite during the interviews held things back- until the final of the interviews was held in 1977 and Frost finally backed Nixon into a corner, leading to one of the most explosive controversies of all time.
Ron Howard's account of the history making event when President Nixon was backed into a corner and let out the dreadful blooper: "when the president does it it's not illegal" doesn't seem to have attracted any bad reviews and could quite well attract some Oscar nominations. It's undeniably an ambitious, daring and provocative piece with some strong performances and it deserves a lot of it's acclaim. But it's still a film where the emphasis is on talking, and not so much action, which won't make it the most exciting of films with some.
But, as I say, strong performances play a big part in moving it along. Langella, who I best remember as Skeletor in Masters of the Universe, is dynamic as Nixon, catching the huff and gruff of his manner and delivery perfectly, and setting you back when he raises his voice and shouts at those around him who he thinks can see where his anger is coming from. As Frost, Sheen compliments him perfectly, as the reserved, reluctant to offend but not quite meek young reporter who has to grow and find the confidence to really take Nixon to the dogs. And what a fine supporting cast, including Sam Rockwell, Kevin Bacon and Mattthew Mcfadyen, who as the supporting players give the film a weird (and I'm not sure completely necessary) docu drama feel as their characters give talking head moments about what went on at various points in the film.
So, a well made, interesting and dynamic film but sadly, all with talk and no action. Which might just make it boring to some. ***