How do you make a slam dunk, award nominated film? It can't be easy. Many try and fail every year; people whose names we may never know fail, not for lack of trying.
What if your name is Ron Howard? The world has known your name since you tied up your first sneakers and now they expect great pictures from you time and again. I suspect Mr. Howard would say that he makes pictures that interest him and let's the celluloid fall where it may. I respect that and would wholeheartedly believe that to be a very true statement coming from him.
I have a better route to nomination. Let me throw this on the page and see if you, the reader, agree. Why not take a Tony award winning Broadway play and see if it works on the big screen? It worked tremendously well for "Chicago," not to mention countless others through the decades. It seems to me that you may not get the big box office numbers on a project like this, but the character drama and subject matter alone will garner Academy attention. Now, match top notch director Ron Howard with the one thing he loves in a story: great character drama. The result, I'm happy to say, is an entertaining and gripping film. Gripping.
The brief plot summary of Frost/Nixon brought to us by IMDB.com: For three years after being forced from office, Nixon remained silent. But in summer 1977, the steely, cunning former commander-in-chief agreed to sit for one all-inclusive interview to confront the questions of his time in office and the Watergate scandal that ended his presidency. Nixon surprised everyone in selecting Frost as his televised confessor, intending to easily outfox the breezy British showman and secure a place in the hearts and minds of Americans. Over the course of their encounter, each man would reveal his own insecurities, ego and reserves of dignity--ultimately setting aside posturing in a stunning display of unvarnished truth.
Perhaps the best move in creating this film started in the casting room: bring in the two lead actors who have made these characters come to life on stage. First, Michael Sheen playing the part of television host David Frost. I have never seen a brighter smile or more natural smarm ooze from a character like I did watching this film. Well, other than myself, at midnight in a pub after more than my share of gin and tonics. Indeed, during the first third of the film I found myself thinking of a slightly reserved Austin Powers. Once we get to the meat of the film we discover that the masked insecurity and self-doubt can only be challenged by the intense desire to reclaim his spot in the world and the respect that he feels he's lost somewhere along the way. Mr. Sheen pulls off this character as if he were born to play it. In facing one of the most infamous world leaders Sheen lets us feel the imposing figure before him. We shrink with him as he sits face to face with cunning skill. Can this be turned around, can he master the challenge? If you know your history, you already know.
Character actor Frank Langella recreates his Broadway turn as Richard Nixon here for our viewing pleasure. My God, what a commanding performance. When the character appears on the screen you cannot take your eyes off him. This may be one of the best jobs of becoming the role that this writer has ever seen. His Nixon is utterly Presidential. This epitomizes the feeling that when a person walks into a room and before saying a single word, that person dominates the attention of all present. Langella shows us the fire of a competitor, the wilyness of a conspiritor, the loss through time and circumstance, and a peek into the soul of someone you might have thought no longer possessed one. Were I in a position to do it, I would have handed the Oscar for best actor to Frank Langella the moment I left the theater.
The supporting cast top off the picture. Each gets to enjoy great scenes and more than one funny line is thrown about to lighten the picture when it needs it. One of my favorite scene stealers shows up here in the form of Oliver Platt. His timing in delivery is fantastic, and we haven't see enough of him in general lately. Sam Rockwell comes aboard to inhabit the form of "hate" that the American public exudes, bringing this picture to your house, where you live, so that you can feel the spirit of the time. Kevin Bacon shows us his tight, authoritative side again as the chief of staff for Nixon. When Bacon is on the screen you know you're going to get tension and he doesn't disappoint here. Finally, one of my favorite British actors, Matthew Macfadyen appears in a strong supporting role alongside the Frost character. Of course, who could forget Clint Howard, who makes his signature appearance in every Ron Howard film.
Frost/Nixon had me skeptically watching in the beginning. Laughing along in the middle. Then finally unable to move from my seat in the last third as we reach the actual interview. This is what every moviegoer wants: an experience at the theater that grabs them and doesn't let go until the credits and perhaps after. I am giving Frost/Nixon 5 italian loafers out of a possible 5. If you're not interested in history or political dramas, this may not be a film for you, but I can find no fault in this movie.
I'm just saying,
Elijah
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