Monday, December 15, 2008

Movie Review: Frost/Nixon


Frost/Nixon Poster posted by paris66 on Flickr

Ron Howard shows us again that he is a master at his craft. No wonder the film has been nominated for five Golden Globe Awards. This movie brings you right back to the 70s and the shameful Watergate incident. The downfall of a president is drama in itself, but Howard shows us Nixon, the man, without being sentimental. Albeit, I was crying on the last day of the Frost/Nixon interview taping scenes. Weeping like a baby.

Frost and Nixon posted by ajsundby on Flickr



Frank Langella as Nixon and Michael Sheen as David Frost were these two characters, heart and soul. The close up on Langella near the end of these interviews said it all for me. Nixon knew Frost had him.

Also, the scene that killed me was when Pat Nixon went out to the car to say good bye to her husband on the first day of taping. The look on Nixon's face said it all.

Richard Nixon and Pat, posted by beast and bean on Flickr




Without giving it away, the scene where I was weeping was only made worse by the interchange Nixon had with Brennen (Kevin Bacon). Wow.

On a personal note, this was a sad time in our history. I was in high school at the time and remember seeing Nixon tell the nation he was resigning and also saw when he got on the helicopter leaving the White House.

I hate to admit this, but when Nixon became gravely ill right after he resigned, I sent a get well card. Yes he was involved in some horrible events in our history. Not just Watergate, but the bombing of Cambodia for one. But my 15-16 year heart felt sorry for this man. He left in disgrace.

The journalists in this film were great. The whole film was perfect. I hope Langella wins awards for his performance. Lastly, I saw the real David Frost on The Daily Show. The real interviews our available on DVD. I will add it to my on line rental queue for sure.
Richard Nixon leaving the White House, posted by tonyetone on Flickr

2 comments:

sas said...

The original interviews are fascinating.

Other fun facts: Michael Sheen was Frost in the London stage play. He also portrayed Tony Blair in 'The Deal' (BBC TV Drama) and again in Stephen Frears 'The Queen'.

Mary Cuevas said...

hi sas!!!
yes sheen was great in the queen. never saw the deal. i noticed you signed up for my blog and i signed up for yours.:) i love the sex things you said science guy has taught you. too funny!!!

i lived in lower hutt for a time and my boyfriends parents had a house overlooking oriental bay i believe. beautiful country.:)
mary