I never realised a film with just dialogue could be so tense and riveting

Rating: 9/10 (26 December 2008)

I have heard wonders of Peter Morgan's play, Frost/Nixon, and I am glad Ron Howard and Peter Morgan have teamed up to make a movie out of it for those of us who could never see the production. Frost/Nixon works incredibly well as a film as a result of many talents behind it. First off, Frank Langella and Martin Sheen are particularly amazing in their roles as Richard Nixon and David Frost, respectively. It is as if (especially in Langella's case) they really are their characters, and that you are seeing the interviews for real. This aspect is helped further by Morgan's outstanding screenplay, both entertaining and a great character study. It is great to see a Hollywood production not demonize any of the characters, all are human and all are sympathetic, which to me is a marvelous achievement.
I have never been a huge follower of Ron Howard, it's not a personal thing, I just don't flock to his films. Of the few I have seen I have enjoyed all of them (yes, even The Da Vinci Code). But this here is his landmark achievement, directing a film that is funny, thrilling, interesting, observant and well-paced. Not only does the film show us the interviews, but the lead up to them from Frost and Nixon's sides. Throughout the first half the film is relatively light and at times rather amusing, and it is not until the last half we get some real human drama. This is where the film shines in all departments, including Hans Zimmer's soft but suitable score. The supporting cast also need to be mentioned, as they are all outstanding. Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell, Oliver Platt and Matthew Macfadyen all give career high performances, although their screen time is rather limited.
All in all, if you want to see something with depth, substance and two Oscar-worthy performances, Howard's Frost/Nixon is definitely the way to go.
4½/5