Frost/Nixon – DVD Review

The Film:

I remembered when the news broke that Richard M. Nixon died. This was 1994; I was 13 or so, at my grandparent’s house for lunch. The news was deliberate and mournful, my grandparent’s were concerned not because they were supportive of the man, but because he was a President. The news cut to his Presidential career, namely Vietnam and Watergate, and there was dissatisfaction in the air, still 20 some years after it broke. When you’re a young man, political events don’t matter to you, especially one that was older than you. But I was always curious about this time and the man, Nixon, who could easily wave and smile, and yet, was and probably will be the only President to resign due to an inevitable impeachment.

Trust me folks, this will never happen again, a resignation of a President. To think we were at war too, the nation was mad and mislead. Sounds topical? It is.

I have never been a huge Ron Howard fan. I feel as if his pictures are flat, smug maybe, never one that could elevate him into greatness or auteur level. I really like this film. Mostly it’s the script from Peter Morgan, who gave us The Queen, another stark look at questionable people in power. The film has undeniable momentum for an epic clash as Tricky Dick (Frank Langella) the current heavyweight, goes up against a young up-start, David Frost (Michael Sheen). They will trade blows but only one can win.

We get a clear portrayal of who Nixon was at that time. He was a man stripped of power, eager to seek redemption, and forced to admit that he crossed a line, something the American people needed at that time, but could he realize this and ultimately say it? He’s hell-bent on not being “exiled” and coming forth back into politics. He says in the film to Frost one late night, in a great scene which is the end result of who Nixon is and the wildcard Frost will use to get the answer he and American wants, “We will make these motherf*ckers choke!” Nixon wants so bad to have his distracters shut up and watch him redeem his career so they cannot question him anymore and for Frost, everyone thinks his interview is a joke, so wants to prove it was a worthwhile endeavor.

Frank Langella is a beast, giving a tour de force performance, easily one that will be Oscar nominated and remembered. At times, I lost focused if I was watching Nixon or Langella, and while he inhabits all of Nixon’s oddball characteristics, he isn’t fully Nixon, although he becomes the Nixon we need for the film. He’s emotionally complex, so much so, it plays with our own preconceived notions of who Richard Nixon was. If it wasn’t for this powerful performance the film might not have been as good as it is. That’s not knocking everyone else, they’re all good, although only Sheen and Langella have the chance to shine, as Oliver Platt, Sam Rockwell, and Kevin Bacon are regulated to minor supporting roles that leave them little to do, although they’re fine. Poor Rebecca Hall, a talented actress has zip to do and is pretty much wasted.

The film isn’t flawless. There are these interview segments with the participants some odd years after this historical event that offer up reflections and feelings. It might’ve worked in the play as it was originally staged, but here, it poses hiccups as we the audience is smart enough to offer this ideas by ourselves. Let us come up with the solutions, just present us with the questions. But more or less, Frost/Nixon succeeds as a fascinating film.

The DVD:

Audio/Video: The audio is clear and don’t expect much from a dialogue driven movie. Only when Zimmer score picks up does it feel like a 5.1 sound. Artistic choices aside, this is a solid looking transfer for DVD.

Commentary: I might think Howard is hit or miss as a director, but this is a solid track. You’ll hear his enthusiasm for the project, production details and other good odds and ends. Worthing listening to.

Deleted Scenes: Nothing major here.

Making of: Standard issue EPK. Just a PR handshake.

Real Interview: Here’s an interesting piece. We get some of the footage from the real Frost/Nixon interviews. I wish there was more here. Soon, these are getting their own DVD, but they should’ve been included here.

Nixon Library: This talks about his place in history as well as himself as a man.

Conclusion: Weak extras aside, this is a quality movie, worthy of its Best Picture nomination. Highly Recommended.

Rating: