Frost/Nixon (2008)

Opened December 5, 2008 (limited)

• Runtime: 2 hours, 2 minutes
• Genres: Drama, Adaptation and Politics/Religion
• MPAA Rating: R for some language
• Cast: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Sam Rockwell, Oliver Platt, Kevin Bacon, Rebecca Hall, Matthew Macfayden
• Director: Ron Howard
• Screenwriters: Peter Morgan
• Production Companies: Imagine Entertainment, Working Title Films
• Original Music: Hans Zimmer
• Studio: Universal Pictures
• Nominations: Golden Globes: Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Actor - Drama (Frank Langella), Best Director (Ron Howard), Best Screenplay - Motion Picture (Peter Morgan), Best Original Score (Hans Zimmer)

Synopses:

• A dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former president Richard Nixon.
• 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. Likewise, Frost's team harbored doubts about their boss' ability to hold his own. But as cameras rolled, a charged battle of wits resulted. Would Nixon evade questions of his role in one of the nation's greatest disgraces? Or would Frost confound critics and bravely demand accountability from the man who'd built a career out of stonewalling? 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. Frost/Nixon not only re-creates the on-air interview, but the weeks of around-the-world, behind-the-scenes maneuvering between the two men and their camps as negotiations were struck, deals were made and secrets revealed... all leading to the moment when they would sit facing one another in the court of public opinion.

The official website for Frost/Nixon has trailers and clips. Click on the following links for more resources and information on the movie as well as reviews: Wikipedia, Internet movie database (imdb), Yahoo! Movies, Rotten Tomatoes, NY Times, Houston Chronicle, USA Today, Roger Ebert, Fandango, Moviefone, Entertainment Weekly, TV Guide

Trivia:

• Before Ron Howard was selected to direct this film, there was strong competition from other filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese, Mike Nichols, George Clooney, Sam Mendes and Bennett Miller.
• Frank Langella won a Tony Award in 2007 for playing Richard Nixon in the original stage production.
• Even while off-camera, all of the actors would remain in character and continue the Frost/Nixon rivalry by bickering and making fun of each other.
• Both Frank Langella and Michael Sheen repeat the roles they created on stage. Ron Howard would only agree to direct if the studio would allow both actors to appear in the film version.
• Director Ron Howard admitted voting for Richard Nixon in the 1972 election.
• The character named Caroline Cushing is based on actress Carol Lynley.

Reel Thoughts entertainment rating: 4/5
Reel Thoughts award-worthy rating: 5/5