What a great way to begin a New Year by discovering not only an impressive movie that is Frost-Nixon directed by Ron Howard but also to learn about an important episode of the American politic of 1970's.
Sometime, just by watching the preview of a new movie, we have the gut feeling of what it could bring for us in a postive way. Choosing "Frost-Nixon" as the first movie to watch for 2009 was not an accident. I was eager and curious to explore this compelling political drama based on true events that made huge impact three decades ago.
"When the president does it, that means that is not illegal". This statement is sufficient to make us wonder what a dangerous leader the United States used to have thirty five years ago. I guess, between Nixon and Bush Jr, we could run a competition of America's worst President.
Saying this, I have to admit i was impressed by Nixon as portrayed by the magnificent Frank Langella who without doubt will win the oscar for the best actor in March. He had the ability to be persistent and make you believe about his innocence. This is where such a powerful character reaches a new dimension when he is opposed by a famous journalist who was at that time only recognised as a great entertainer.
Today David Frost is one of the most important and respected journalist having interviewed almost every contemporary World leader for his various televison programs. Back in the seventies however, he was more in the same calibre as someone like Michael Parkinson, another famous british televison interviewer.
"Frost-Nixon" is about the rigorous interview between the two men that made History and was broadcasted to a record breaking worldwide audience. It is also about determination from Frost of creating a sensation despite serious difficulties incurred financially and without ignoring the fact of him loosing credibility in front of Nixon during more than the half of the interview. I have to add that I am not an expert in the field and therefore i am unsure if the movie is a faithful composition of what really happened. As i am writing this i have began reading the book by James Reston Jr, "The conviction of Richard Nixon" which is described as "The untold story of the Frost/Nixon interviews".
This is not the first time i am under the spell of a Ron Howard movie. Both "A beautiful mind" and "Cinderella Man" two great movies played by Russel Crowe are part of my favourite pieces of contemporary American cinema. Ron loves to make film with great storyline. He is also an eclectic movie maker.
As said above, Frank Langella is the great discovery. I haven't seen the movie "Nixon" where Anthony Hopkins was playing the role of the President. Langella is believable even if the only thing i knew about Nixon was his picture seen in various places. Opposite him, Michael Sheen plays Frost. I saw him couple years ago playing Tony Blair in "The Queen" and his resemblance with the ex prime minister was rather amusing.
There are tons of information about the interview between Frost and Nixon. Just type their names in YOU TUBE and watch the actual interview from 1977 after you discover the movie with as little information as possible.
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