We continue our look at Best Picture nominees with Ron Howard's Frost/Nixon (PG-13). Adapted from the play of the same name, the movie dramatizes a series of interviews (and the events leading up to it) involving British media personality David Frost (Michael Sheen) and former president Richard Nixon (Frank Langella). Sam Rockwell, Oliver Platt and Kevin Bacon costar.
Ryan: Let me start by saying that Frost/Nixon is a pretty good film. It's generally a well-rounded and constructed movie that is not only intriguing but satisfying as well. It showcases two outstanding performances and in a two hour span it successfully sets out what it was trying to accomplish. But even with all those positive accolades, I can clearly state that this movie is not Best Picture material. It's a good movie but not a great one.
Andy: Frost/Nixon is a compelling, well put together movie with few flaws. The movie continues Ron Howard’s run of consistency, adding a nice critical feather to his cap. He is able to maintain the focus of the film very well, not turning it into something bigger than it needs to be. While I would be shocked if it won best picture, I have no problem with it being included on the list of the year’s best.
Ryan: One of my biggest issues with the film is the need for it. The movie does an admirable job recreating parts of the interview and the dramatization of the events leading up to the interview are worthwhile. But the actual interview is out there. If one really wants to watch it it's not too difficult to locate. And the fact that the movie is not completely accurate (1, 2, 3) also lessens its cinematic significance especially compared to the real interview. Furthermore the film takes itself too seriously with its subject's importance. Yes, Watergate and its aftermath is crucially important to recent American history but the Frost/Nixon interviews were significant--only as a footnote to Watergate.
Andy: I disagree on the issue of relevancy. Many people, especially baby-boomers who were outraged at what Nixon did to our country, have drawn parallels between the Nixon presidency and that of George W. Bush. A film analyzing the critical moments of atonement for Nixon seem especially relevant as Bush leaves office. The debates about how much time America should spend looking back when there is so much to do going forward resonate in this film, and it is no surprise that baby-boomer hero Ron Howard took the challenge of historically addressing some of these issues.
Ryan: The highlight of the film is without question the performance by Frank Langella as Nixon. His performance is not an impression. More to the point Langella embodies the larger-than-life personality of Nixon. He was nominated for an Oscar and it's hard to argue against that honor. Praise should also be awarded to Michael Sheen as he continues his fine work in being the suitable historical foil to a more famous figure (think back to The Queen). His performance was not recognized by the Academy but his time is coming. Overall, Frost/Nixon is good, but not great. Final grade: B.
Andy: Frank Langella’s performance is truly transcendent. He takes one of the most recognizable politicians of the last century and defines him as a person with such presence, uneasy charm, and terrifying temper, that you quickly forget that he doesn’t look at all like Nixon, and barely sounds like him. He deserves his Oscar nomination. Not to be outshone is the rest of the cast, led by the aforementioned Sheen. Sam Rockwell also puts in a solid performance, making the movie full enough of good acting to warrant a final grade of A-.
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