Universal
www.frostnixon.net
I am an avid viewer of horror and actions films. Rarely do I get grasped into historical dramas as not only are the majority dull and boring, but events depicted in many of them, such as this one, occurred before I was even born and therefore I lack the experience and understanding of the time and the events.
Based on the play by Peter Morgan, which dramatised the interviews of 1977 between journalist David Frost and President Nixon, Frost/Nixon, reunites its original two stars from the West End and Broadway productions of the play, Michael Sheen as David Frost and Frank Langella as former President Nixon. When a series of reports documenting on the Watergate scandal, one of many illegal incidents authorised and carried out by Nixon’s staff, are released to the press, the president has no choice but to resign. This resignation leads to an interview with David Frost, a TV host with his mind determined to interview the president regarding these events in several TV specials. The conclusion that comes from their interview time together is a make or break for each individual; either Frost gets a confession from Nixon regarding his involvement and becomes a huge name in the pubic eye, or Nixon puts his point across so well that all is forgiven and Frost goes back to being another TV host.
When viewing the interview technique between Frost and Nixon, it goes to show just how much a journalist must prepare for such an event. At the start Frost just sets his sights on “a big interview” but realises there is more at stake than just his career. It is his job as a journalist to get the truth out of a man who had the trust of a nation on his side and let them down with his irresponsible ways of thinking, acting and decision-making. His development and devotion to finding the truth, a confession, grows as he gets thinker into the questions.
To be perfectly honest I had no history of the events represented in this film. I knew the presidents name, but that was basically it. It was through the remarks I had heard from others that made me want to give the film a shot and I am thankful I did. For someone like myself that wasn’t around when the events actually occurred, I think depicting them in a method suited to the era is important so that we have some basic knowledge of such a milestone in American history. Frost/Nixon is not going to become one of those films you won’t adore and watch for the pleasure of it repeatedly. But, if you are looking to gain knowledge of American history and watch something that was of great importance some time back then Frost/Nixon is likely a great candidate. If you are looking for entertainment and excitement though, then better look elsewhere.
Michelle Moore