Frost/Nixon is the story of the famous interview between British talk show host David Frost and former President Nixon, in which Frost ultimately is able to coerce an apology from Nixon for his wrongdoings to the people of the United States. Frost is a playboy talk show host, more famous at that time for his fluff celebrity interviews than any actual journalism. Ultimately, his pockets prove deeper than the networks, and he is able to buy an interview with the scandalized ex-President. Nixon, meanwhile, is depicted as eager to rehabilitate his image...and get his hands on some cash. However, Nixon is not to be underestimated. From the very beginning, Nixon makes it clear to Frost that he expects a worthy adversary – any interview should be thought of as a battle – a battle he intends to win.
The film is brilliant in it's simplicity. Frost/Nixon is a fascinating character study of these two titans of intellect. Who will win? The "soft" media darling or the calculating politician? As expected in a Ron Howard film, all the actors shine in their portrayals, particularly the two leads, Michael Sheen and Frank Langella, who have reprised their roles from the stage play. While perhaps not the best film of the year, it is, nonetheless, a great film of an important moment in history and politics.
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