The Touch of Frost

FROST/NIXON dramatises the legendary encounter between the disgraced ex-President Richard Nixon, and the failing British talk-show host, David Frost. For three years Nixon had been silent about his time as the President, earning a pardon from President Ford and causing many Americans to wonder whether his crimes against democracy and the American people would ever be brought to account. Driven by greed and a renewed search for power, Nixon surprises everybody by allowing an all-inclusive interview with the breezy Frost. Nixon believes he can easily subdue any difficult questions, as Frost appears as nothing more than a performer and a showman.

All believe Frost will fail to deliver anything of substance from the interview. Even his own investigators and producer cannot fully believe that he can hope to master the great politician. However, a drunken telephone call from Nixon to Frost turns the tide of the interviews, and as cameras roll on the last subject, Watergate, a battle of wits ensues.

Writer Peter Morgan’s dramatisation highlights the pressure on both men to succeed on a highly personal level. The greater part of the film is the interview itself and the days surrounding its conception and execution. The heavy focus upon the interviews forces the audience to feel much of Frost’s frustration and desperate hope for success.

We also begin to feel a surprising sympathy towards the cunning Nixon, now trapped and aging, an exile to the people and yet still adored by those around him. Kevin Bacon plays Jack Brennan, Nixon’s Chief of Staff who has followed him into exile. The great respect and love that he holds for his President is truly touching, and we feel his pain and exhaustion when Nixon finally gives in to Frost and condemns himself to retirement and a hidden existence.

The casting of the film follows that of the stage show it is based upon, with Michael Sheen playing David Frost and Frank Langella as the terrible politician. Langella has earned himself an Oscar nomination for his emotional portrayal of Nixon, pitching him against the Hollywood heavyweights such as Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.

The story has managed the transfer from stage to screen beautifully, creating names for the two main actors and earning them the recognition they deserve. Their chemistry and interaction brought from the intimacy of the stage is intriguing and involving, giving the film a sense of thrill in that drive for the winner’s glory.

Well acted and ably directed by Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon is a hugely enjoyable and engaging battle of wits. This is not a history lesson, it is two failing men, trying to throw the last punch and win once more. Only one can emerge victorious, the other must be condemned forever.