Frost/Nixon

Films that are based on plays need to walk a fine line between cinematic success and theatric exposition recorded on film. David Mamet’s extraordinary Glen Gary Glenn Ross is an example of a successful play adaptation, and on a smaller scale I think the same can be said of the adaptation of Peter Morgan’s play Frost/Nixon.  It isn’t really the story of Nixon, but of the little know underdog British reporter who landed one of the most sought after interviews of all-time, the first with Nixon after his resignation. There’s plenty of drama as Frost tries to gain respectability and line up sponsors to pay the outrageous fee.  Frank Langella avoided caricature in his nuanced turn at Nixon. I thought relatively unknown Michael Sheen was charming and smarmy as you suspect Frost was. I think Rebecca Hall is an up-and-comer; she was one of the best things about the over-rated VickyChristinaBarcelona. I was pulled in by the historical content and the drama of the situation, Sheen had to make his character sympathetic and I think he succeeded. Great supporting cast as well with Sam Rockwell, Oliver Platt, Kevin Bacon, and several more.