Frost/Nixon

It's not often that a Hollywood studio reaches for socially significant material and allows for the creation of a film that deviates from the established templates of comic book adaptations, romantic and family comedies, or other entertainment genres. Frost/Nixon is an exceptionally successful film from a technical standpoint, with careful casting, a quality screenplay, and thoughtful direction. If there is a challenge somewhere, it lies in the subject matter itself, in what the creators see as crucial, and what they want to communicate. In reality, Frost/Nixon is not a film about politics and a controversial but influential figure of the time. It is about the role of the media, specifically television, which took on a decisive influence in shaping public opinion in the second half of the 20th century. It is no coincidence that the film repeatedly mentions the famous television debate between Kennedy and Nixon, where Nixon's defeat was decided by the sweat on his face, which appeared unpleasing on camera and made Nixon look older. The decisive moments of Nixon's scandal took place out of the television cameras' view. The ant-like work of investigators, investigative journalists, and behind-the-scenes negotiations of lobbyists during the impeachment process was all beyond the scope of this film as if it didn't exist. By the time the film's story takes place, Nixon was already out of the game, and the duel with Frost was merely a symbolic end to his tenure in office. The televised duel at the political level did not signify a significant turning point, and Nixon continued to publicly function as a private individual and a veteran of the Republican Party, which even considered resurrecting Nixon and his re-candidacy after Ronald Reagan's second term. Frost was and remained just an entertainer who made a mark in media history by managing to bring these events back to television screens and turn them into a major hit several months after the government scandal and the president's resignation. Frost approached the interview as an opportunity to gain visibility and make money. He didn't understand politics, but he knew and understood television as a medium very well. Overall impression: 80%. (23/02/2013)

In this film, everything works like a well-oiled Swiss watch of the highest quality. Both of the actors in the titular lead roles deliver excellent performances in a dialogue duel focusing on a detailed portrayal of their characters, shot and edited in the most appealing way possible. This makes Frost/Nixon completely unique and it’s a testimony to Ron Howard’s extraordinary ability to render difficult subject matter in a way that pleases even the most consumerist viewer. No matter how good they may be, films of this kind are usually protracted, intimate and gloomy, offering an intellectual exercise rather than emotion or attractive visuals. Together with Hans Zimmer’s music and the ferocious chemistry (but also humility and respect) between the two rivals played by Michael Sheen and Frank Langella, the visuals of Frost/Nixon make this a juicy, sexy film delicacy. (25/02/2009)

A boxing match between a political champion and a loser from an entertainment slum, 4 rounds at a dazzling pace and nerve-wracking gradation. Ron Howard undoubtedly trimmed the political issue, adjusted both characters and put them into the ever popular scheme "David vs. Goliath KO in the last round"... However, I am honestly searching in vain, trying to find out when I enjoyed it more and when, behind the brilliantly elaborated scheme, I found such an exciting background and point that goes beyond mere entertainment. The Frost/Nixon duel reveals the part of politics one has to follow breathlessly, media fireworks, a powerful story and a remarkable message about the power of the television screen. I don't think this film will surpass the other Oscar favorite, in my opinion. (23/02/2009)

It's almost unbelievable, but Howard surprised and made a solid film. I wouldn't say that such a “ordinary”, purely conversational approach could captivate more than any of Howard's action scenes from previous works. Without sentiment, without fluff, only the most efficient and relatively gentle reconstruction of the well-known conversation between fantastically a played Nixon and an excellent Frost. The performances were phenomenal and that's what it was primarily about. (13/06/2010)

An enthralling conversational drama that goes from a simple interview to an event with potential unexpected consequences. The acting performances are at times breathtaking and Langella is utterly convincing as Nixon. And Howard knows exactly what he's doing, thickening the atmosphere immediately during the first tape when Nixon takes Frost down, and escalating it twice, first on the phone and then during the last 20 percent of the movie. I don't understand why he did the Langdon series when he is much better at this sort of thing. Plus, Zimmer's music is once again top notch. (29/04/2009)