Recent Releases – A Reflection (Part II)
In continuation of my legendary blog dated 15th of January, 2009, I shall put forth my views on the certain other recent releases, namely, Frost/Nixon.
You might ask why this ‘piece’ after almost three weeks. You have to remember dear interested readers, three weeks is nothing in a Bloggers’ life. It is nothing. Cliched as it sounds, time does fly. More so when the blogger is in college. However, there is a time and place for everything. We shall dwell into the philosophy and dynamics of space and time at a later stage. This is the time to enlighten you, my dear readers, about the recent releases. With the Oscar fever catching up, this is an enlightening read indeed, if I may say so myself (boy, am i bored!).
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Frost/Nixon (2008)
Frost/Nixon
Frost/Nixon is a cinematographic version of the series of interviews between David Frost and Richard Nixon. It is based on a play of the same name. It is directed by Ron Howard and stars Frank Langella as former President of the United States Richard Nixon and Michael Sheen (Tony Blair from The Queen) as British talk show host David Frost.
The movie takes off after the Watergate incident after which Nixon hands in his resignation. Soon after, Frost requests a series of interviews with the erstwhile President. Frost tries to sell the interview to American Broadcasters but fails. However, Frost does manage to assemble a team of people to research for him. The rest of the movie deals with how the interviews go and how how Frost deals with the Watergate scandal and the cover-up by Nixon.
The story, at first glance, doesn’t seem movie material. However, some good acting and direction takes it to a new level. The film is basically carried by Frank Langella and Sheen and their interaction. Considering both acted in the play, their familiarity with the characters is unmistakable. Sheen is good as the charismatic celebrity basking in the limelight who at times is bogged down by the pressure of not being able to sell the interviews. Rest of the cast is adequate enough.
Special mention has to be made of the acting of Frank Langella. Even though he doesn’t resemble the President, through his performance, he becomes Nixon. He brings in that force, that spark and demeanor in the performance that makes Nixon less of a villain and more of a person who is victim of the circumstances. He humanizes Nixon.
The movie proceeds at a brisk pace and at times feels like a thriller even! (particularly so if you are unaware of the outcome of the interviews.) The use of cutaway interviews between the movies gives it a documentary feel.
One the whole a good movie. Definitely worth a watch.
Cheers
Jais
