Frost-Nixon (4/5)

The movie has 5 Oscar nominations - this was my motivation to research -what the movie stood for and then see the movie.- Thank you Ron Howard!

Why do I thank Ron Howard (the director of the movie)??- Because I learnt something my Maharashtra Board History books did not teach me. Nixon is the only US President till date who had to resign (he resigned before I was born- am not that old you see) due to an array of illegal and secret activities undertaken by his administration. This was called to be the Watergate Scandal.

Armed with new gyan and you tube videos of Nixon resigning - I got into the movie.

The movie is set in a period after Nixon (played by Frank Langella) resigned and it’s based on a series of interviews between David Frost (now Sir David Frost) and Nixon. David Frost (played by Michael Sheen) a British Talk Show host takes on this first high profile political interview and soon realises that he has bit the dust. BTW- David Frost is a known face for my generation of Indian's- he was the host of the old edition of Guinness book of world records- and that was my favourite show.

The movie is based on interviews and hence one must admire Peter Morgan (writer) and Ron Howard (the director) for making the movie as interesting as a chess match with unpredictability of a India - Pakistan match (from the 90's era). The movie is gripping and glues you to your seat- you will be tempted to know more and hence research more after the movie is done- such is the effect.

The movie starts with a build up to the interview and how Frost tries to get people sponsor the interview- great story line. This era was the prime of the Television era and hence Frost sets some new rules in the industry in the process of the interview.

One additional info- it seems that this movie is a adaptation of a stage production of 2007- and the roles of Nixon and Frost in the stage production was also played by - Michael Sheen and Frank Langella. The chemistry is so evident - and the screen play is very powerful. Classic camera angles – firm close ups - transponds you into the movie. Pop Corn and Sprite (my standard combo) was left untouched.

The show belongs to Sheen and Langella. Every line on their face, their posture, their eyes, Langella’s sweat, Sheen’s Tie, etc is used as a medium to express thoughts beyond word. Priceless scenes and every scene filled with detail. The brilliance of Frank Langella cannot be admired enough-No one- could have done Nixon’s role better -- clearly a well deserved best actor nomination for the Oscars (and my favourite to win it too!). The whole cast, during the filming of the movie - used to never step off character- total hard core method acting. A total male dominated movie- with no romantic angle.

In the end you tend to feel sorry for Nixon and suddenly you also realise how much effort goes into preparing for such political interviews. Nixon is dead today- David Frost does a Live weekly current affairs program on Al Jazeera English. But after this interview Nixon as a legacy was tainted.

You need hell load of guts and conviction to make such a movie.Watch it on DVD. I do not think these flunkies plan to release the movie on big screen. Simbly amazing!!

So watch the movie- for the performances, the screen play and for gyan - beyond what was taught to us at school. Enjoy!