Intelligent AND entertaining. Why can't all films be like this?

Rating: 9/10 (22 January 2009)

Director Ron Howard's Frost/Nixon chronicles the true story of British/Australian talk show host David Frost, who decided to interview former U.S. President Richard Nixon after his 1974 resignation in the shadow of the Watergate accusations. The film follows Frost's decision to self-finance the interview, his complex relationship with Nixon and the now-famous interviews he conducted with the former President during 1977.
At the very heart of it, Frost/Nixon is a very moving and emotional film. I was satisfied and pleasantly surprised to see it got what it deserved by the Academy - at least nominee wise, that is (for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor for Frank Langella's excellent take on Nixon's controversial figure, among others) . Walking into the theater, I have to admit I was expecting a talky snooze-fest like 2005's Good Night and Good Luck. Instead, I found a true and unique movie that really tried to see what made both Nixon and Frost tick, and show that above all, it wasn't the politics - but first and foremost the dynamic relationship between the journalist and the ex-president, which led to Nixon's confession regarding his involvement in the Watergate fiasco.
Personally speaking, I thought the film excelled in not trying to portray Nixon as an evil president, but as someone who truly believed he was working for a greater good, and that the end's thereby justified the means. Langella gave a stunning performance in that category, and made me want to visit the film again when it arrives on DVD - in hope of learning more about that turbulent time in American history and in hope of preventing a second Watergate from occurring.
I gave it 9 points out of 10.