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| Movie Review: Frost/Nixon Alternate Title: The First 'Gate'
Story: Anyone over the age of
40 has a clear recollection of Watergate (the first 'Gate'), Nixon's
resignation and his controversial pardon by Gerald Ford.
Three years after Nixon's resignation, British playboy and talk show
host, David Frost interviewed Nixon in 90 minutes each
of a four part, series. Historic viewing ensued and the rest as they
say - is history. This fine engrossing film was directed by Ron
Howard and written by Peter Morgan (The
Queen), based on his original stage play which starred the same
fine actors.
If you are a political junkie, like me, this
is must-see cinema. The acting is extraordinary, the production values
across the board are smart and the script, scintillating.
The first half of the film focus' on the preparation
of the TV event viewed from both sides of the stars' teams. How the
money was raised (Nixon was paid $600,000) and how the TV event was
eventually marketed seems boring, but it is not. The interviews take
place for the second half of the film. Fine lead ups produce the drama
of the interviews. Even if you know exactly what is going to happen
the filming is so expert, you are on the edge of your seat waiting for
those very famous killer Nixon lines. See the film and watch the accolades
during award season time.
Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ibxs_2nDXUc
When the President does it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejvyDn1TPr8 The DVD series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw6LhKCYUCQ Acting: Frank Langella as Richard Nixon, makes you
believe he is actually Richard Nixon. Fine, fine acting by a brilliant
performer. Michael Sheen as David Frost, carries his
role perfectly. Kevin Bacon as Nixon loyalist, Jack
Brennan, does an emotionally difficult turn. The balance of the cast,
including Rebecca Hall (Caroline Cushing), Toby
Jones (Swifty Lazar), Matthew MacFadyen (John
Birt), Oliver Platt (Bob Zelnick) and Sam Rockwell
(James Reston Jr.) are all terrific. Trivia: Frank Langella won a Tony for Best Performance
by a Leading Actor in a Play for "Frost/Nixon" in 2007. Frost/Nixon
has been nominated for 5 Golden Globe awards: Best Motion Picture Drama,
Best Director, Best Actor, Best Screenplay and Best Original Score.
Predilection: I am a political junkie and have never
forgiven Richard Nixon for his crimes.
Critters: A dachshund
Food: Hamburgers, cheeseburgers.
Sex Spectrum: None
Opening Titles: A quick overview with file news footage
for anyone who does not know what lead up to Nixon's resignation.
Theater Audience: Crowded for a mid-afternoon show
on a Tuesday.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: Nixon is very squirmy.
Drift Factor: It could have been tightened up a bit.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Yes
Soap Box: To this day I will not watch Diane Sawyer
as she worked for Nixon after his resignation.
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen. Tent 'All the President's
men' for a good film out Watergate.
Length: Two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 9 |