Innocence Lost

Rating: 10/10 (14 February 2009)

At the telling juncture of Director Ron Howard's "Frost/Nixon", Michael Sheen's David Frost asks, "Are you saying that the President can do something illegal?" Frank Langella's Richard Nixon emphatically replies, "I'm saying that when the President does it, that means it's not illegal!" Powerful scene. Power corrupts, absolutely. Frank Langella is amazing as former President Nixonhis nomination is so deserved.
Ron Howard is at the top of his game; telling the story of 1977 David Frost interviews with former President Richard Nixon, forced to resign the Presidency following the Watergate scandal from the screenplay and play by Peter Morgan. I had watched the Frost/ Nixon interviews as teen, but their significance escaped me at the time. "Frost/Nixon" is solid story telling. The performances by Michael Sheen as David Frost and Langella as Nixon are stellar. However, as well crafted and expertly told by Howard, "Frost/Nixon" is very linear in naturegranted this is historical. And the story arc catharsis is the possibility of compassion for Nixon as a man, who sold out on his beliefs and his very soul.
What Howard and Morgan do poignantly is depict Nixon as not an evil man, rather a tragic man, who was so blinded by his power. I think that is really closer to what was so. There is a surprisingly touching scene where empathetic Frost (Sheen) asks whether Nixon realizes that he has "done something that will haunt you for the rest of your life" The resolute Nixon says, "I let the American people down"
Although story and dramatic arc are linear in nature, my bud John pointed out that "Frost/Nixon" like the actual interviews themselves captures the tragic loss of innocence of our nation. The Nixon impeachment and resignation indelibly punctuated the end of "Camelot". And perhaps, the nation never recovered from this loss of innocence. This is strangely relevant today, as we question the use of absolute power even under the noblest intentions. In retrospect Ron Howard has done amazing, and culturally important work here.
The performances are great throughout. Oliver Platt and Sam Rockwell are solid as Frost's research staff, Bob Zelnick and James Reston. Rebecca Hall is enchanting as Caroline Cushing as the right girlfriend at the right time. Matthew Macfadyen is compassionate and strong as Frost's conscience and producer John Birt. Michael Sheen is amazing. David Frost was almost a glorified game show-like talk show host, whose final redemption was the Nixon interviews. Sheen is charming and light, and hints at the underlying power that will arise above the superfluous, and embrace greatness. Kevin Bacon is awesome as Nixon loyal Jack Brennen. Langella defines "Frost/Nixon". He is such a powerful actor and presence. Here he is Macbeth. His is never a caricature of Nixon, instead a sad and tragic man who finally gets his place in history. And it haunted him for the rest of his days. "Frost/Nixon" is tragic, sad, and so compelling.