Review: Frost/Nixon

Review: Frost/Nixon

Rating: ***1/2

Nonna's Rating: $$$

Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Finally, I agree with the critics on a film. Frost/Nixon fascinates and mesmerizes --even for those of us old enough to remember Frost interviewing Nixon and, thus, knowing exactly what happened. A couple of factors come together to make this film memorable. First, the performances of the lead and supporting actors, a remarkable ensemble, is spot on. Frank Langella inhabits Nixon, capturing his history of pain, hate, and vengeance in each small gesture. As Frost, Michael Sheen communicates the simultaneous chutzpah and insecurity that accompanied his courting of and ultimate questioning of Nixon. Sam Rockwell and Oliver Platt, as James Reston, Jr. and Bob Zelnick respectively, provide clever comic counterpoint to Sheen's sometimes fumbling persona. Kevin Bacon, as Nixon's aide and protector, Jack Brennan, actually manages to elicit our sympathy as he dissolves while watching Nixon's meltdown. There are also small performances, like those of Toby Jones as Swifty Lazar and Rebecca Hall as Caroline Cushing, that complement the lead actors perfectly. The acting -- and, second, the deft editing -- make this movie.

Nonna's Ratings:

$$$$ = Worth paying the Friday evening price
$$$= Worth paying the Matinee price
$$= Worth a rental
$ = Wait for cable
# = Skip it