Intelligent and well-researched

Rating: 8/10 (18 April 2009)

What starts off as a series of opinions about the terminated presidency of Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) soon turns into a competition of sorts; a mind game between two titans of media and politics, respectively. Third party opinions are spelled out in talking heads, sort of a "where were you when" as each person recounts the Watergate scandal and the media circus that followed. Meanwhile, British talk show host David Frost (Michael Sheen) becomes engrossed with the idea of extracting an admission of guilt by Nixon, whom he has just seen give his resignation address. The smug demeanor and flagrant disregard for regret is the thing about the televised speech that strikes Frost and several others. Frost, however, finds more meaning in getting high ratings and launching his television career. Through a series of negotiations, Frost hooks the former president for an interview. On each side, both parties believe they have the superior method for coming out on top. Frost and his team at the television studio believe they've found a way to capture the interests of the nation while also taking down a political giant. Nixon, however, is convinced that the interview is going to somehow sooth the public disdain that has been forced on him. An interview with Frost will simply make him appear more presidential, more confident, more qualified as a leader than ever before. After all, he's just a talk show host, right? The real story behind Frost/Nixon is not only the confrontation that eventually comes halfway through the film, but also in the way each opponent underestimates the other and starts to attack the other's vulnerability. Nixon, it appears, has no vulnerability—he's a steel wall, nothing gets past him. It's easier to see Frost as the one who needs to protect himself but that all changes. After a brilliant scene in which a drunken Nixon makes a late night phone call to Frost's hotel room, the susceptibility behind the man is finally exposed. Frost sees an opportunity to flip the interview in his favor. He's now seen that even the most impenetrable men have sensitivity and it can be brought out. Langella's Nixon is perfect. To do what he did, which was to paint Nixon in an almost pitiable light is incredible.
The message trying to be conveyed is how on television, it's impossible to see past the camera work and delve deep into the minds of all the people involved. Frost/Nixon is a story within a story—the story of two great minds at battle.
My grade: B-