PRINTTake Two: Frost/Nixon
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
December 5, 2008 | 12:01 p.m. CST
Watergate was one of the first great political scandals of the 21st century, but it certainly wasn’t the last. Since the ‘70s, every Capitol Hill blunder worth a headline has followed the now methodic nickname game. Summarize the escapade in one word—and tack on an all-telling "gate." Arguably the best line in Frost/Nixon is delivered by political journalist James Reston, played by the silent and serious Sam Rockwell. “Today his name continues to be synonymous with corruption and disgrace,” he reflects about Richard Nixon, “and his most lasting legacy is that any political wrongdoing is immediately given the suffix ‘gate.’”
Richard Nixon has been played by a myriad of leading men, from the talented Anthony Hopkins (in Nixon) to the hilarious Dan Aykroyd (on SNL). Frank Langella, who is one of those actors you've undoubtedly seen before but may not know by name, does not bear much of a resemblance to Tricky Dick. However, Langella's impeccable acting and identical mannerisms make his portrayal one of the best yet.
Throughout the movie, the audience can't help but feel compassion for the White House's master manipulator, largely because Langella manages to make Mr. Impersonal somehow endearing. Nixon's earnest passion for politics, seemingly ignorant—but honorable?—mistakes, and wholesome Quaker upbringing will stir up sympathy from the crowd, regardless of political affiliation.
Michael Sheen nails the part of David Frost, England’s answer to David Letterman, who pays $600,000 for an exclusive television interview with the first president to ever resign. He possesses the exuberance and personality that makes him made for TV. He also has a rapport with Nixon that makes it seem as though they could be old buddies if they weren't on-air enemies. Both of the leading men have had experience reenacting the legendary interview; Langella and Sheen starred in the play of the same name for more than two years before Ron Howard snapped them up for the big screen version.
The realistic footage and grainy interviews make it seem like Frost/Nixon is a documentary instead of a big budget motion picture. Unlike a documentary, however, this blockbuster tweaks details to increase the entertainment. Baby boomers will get a kick out of the dramatic perspective on a historical event they witnessed first hand, but younger viewers should take the accuracy with a grain of salt. Just like Nixon's speeches.
Vox Rating:
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