Frost / Nixon | Eastern North Carolina Now

    "Frost / Nixon," as implied by its title, would need to be a character driven drama to succeed. Weak actors in any of the significant roles would have compromised the film to the point of ruination, unless actors: Frank Langella, usually a character actor, stepping into the lead role as Richard Nixon and Michael Sheen as the mercurial David Frost excelled, and excel they did. Frank Langella was nominated for the Oscar for the Male Leading Role, and lost to Sean Penn in "Milk." Michael Sheen as David Frost, unlike Langella as Nixon, was nothing like Frost, yet he brought the duality of a man at the threshold of despair, with the confident perseverance to yet pull his own butt out of the proverbial fire. Other important characters were Kevin Bacon as the efficient and loyal Chief of Staff Jack Brennan and Sam Rockwell as the Nixon hating researcher James Reston, Jr., and each were rather efficient in their respective roles.


Interviewer David Frost's staff behind the scenes: (from left to right) James Reston, Jr., Sam Rockwell, ABC Producer Bob Zelnick, Oliver Platt, John Birt, played by Matthew Macfadyen: Above.
    Peter Morgan wrote the script of his original play that told a fine story of a dark political period in the history of the United States. Was it a sensitive portrayal of Richard M. Nixon? Probably not. Morgan did represent him as a smart man, who just could not be understood. Considering the former President's level of intelligence and work ethic, love of country and family, this story of redemption lost and redemption gained has all the trappings of a Greek tragedy.


Not unlike the central character in a Shakespearean tragedy, Frank Langella's outstanding performance of the tragically disgrace president was one of the top performances of any actor of 2008: Above.

    The story was; however, an American tragedy. It wasn't the first and it will not be the last, but "Frost / Nixon" is one best told tales draped in the certainty of the realty of true events. A must see for all who enjoy history told well, and, at a compact 122 minutes, well worth your time.

    Rated R. Released on DVD April 21, 2009.