Frost/Nixon

The next film I decided to see was Frost/Nixon, a political thriller based on the real life 1977 interviews between David Frost and Richard Nixon concerning the Watergate scandal.

This film feature two lead performances, Michael Sheen as David Frost and Frank Langella as Richard ‘Millhouse’ Nixon. Both these men plays their real life subject to near perfection, Sheen (who also played Tony Blair in 2006’s The Queen) dots every I and crosses every T when it comes Frost’s little mannerism, voice and body language whilst Langella portrays stress and nervous tension appropriately.

A lot of attention has been lavished upon Langella for his portrayal but rest assured if there is one performance better than the other it is in fact Sheen. As a viewer I was really caught up in his story of pursuing an ideal and making it big. Also knowing that he is risking so much (as he did in real life) I was caught up in the tension of the situation every time a problem occurred.

There is a slight fictional aspect to this film however in which it implies that David Frost is an underdog, whereas in real life he had achieved a fair bit more and was reknown for helping the Monty Python crew lauch their career. A man who they even referenced in several sketches (python fans may notice Eric Idle's portrayal as a TV reporter in the infamous Hell's Grannies' sketch strikingly similar to Frost).

This film is not just a political thriller/biopic it is also a quest for one man to achieve a goal and face the obstacle along the way. It is also a duel between two titans both determined to outdo one another. This is where the film really strikes a chord with certain viewers. Basically this is The Lord of the rings or Star Wars, in political form, with use of words rather than swords or light sabers ....and based on real events.

There are a few minor problems, the film is slightly plodding at times, some of the humour is a little laboured (Nixon’s perspiration) and Ron Howard doesn’t bring a great deal amount to the directing front.

Overall I highly recommend this film. An interesting underdog story with a strong ensemble cast.

4 STARS