A riveting story.

Rating: 8/10 (23 November 2015)

Director Ron Howard brings an appreciable cinematic flair to Peter Morgans' adaptation of his own stage play. It tells the true story of the disgraced former U.S. president Richard M. Nixon (Frank Langella), who is courted for a series of interviews by upbeat, likable British TV host David Frost (Michael Sheen). Nixon and his loyalists see this as an opportunity for him to repair the damage done to his reputation. Frost, on the other hand, is looking to gain some credibility from the venture. He's humiliated by the smooth, experienced politician at first due to not quite taking his own opportunity seriously enough. Obviously, the segment that will make or break the experience for Frost will be how the two men handle the topic of Watergate.
This is fascinating, interesting stuff, especially for a viewer such as this who is not terribly informed on the subject. It's a good look into the machinations of both politics and TV journalism. A great film it is not, but it's solidly entertaining for just over two hours. One of the best things that it does is to put a human face on Mr. Nixon, who could, to some people, be written off as a mere cartoon sleaze ball. Even in the face of his misdeeds, it is possible to take some sympathy on this man whom many in the nation simply want to see confess and apologize.
"Frost/Nixon" is one of those films for this viewer where any slickness on the part of the filmmakers takes a back seat - and rightly so - to the power of the material. It's brought to life by a superb cast. Langella and Sheen anchor the story with two very convincing portrayals, and Kevin Bacon, Matthew Macfadyen, Oliver Platt, Toby Jones, Patty McCormack (as Pat Nixon), Rons' brother & father (and frequent repertory players) Clint and Rance Howard, and Eloy Casadaos offer indelible support. Rebecca Hall is lovely and appealing as Caroline, a gal who catches Frosts' eye, but the character isn't really important in the developing plot of this film.
A worthy viewing for some people, but surely it would have even more resonance for people who lived through this tale and remember the key players.
Eight out of 10.