God, we never have time for full-blown reviews, it sucks, but here goes with our thought on “Frost/Nixon,” adding to some of the initial thoughts we had last week. The film is competent and serviceable and its bookends are excellent. The beginning makes one think Ron Howard should direct a documentary because the set-up, full of fast and popping documentary footage, sets a riveting stage and really pulls you in. But the film suffers from a slightly unthrilling mid-section on the way to the final duel/TV face off between David Frost (Michael Sheen) and Richard Nixon (Frank Langella).
As we mentioned last time, the film is essentially a boxing match, a duel, a face-off, but it’s sort of like David and Goliath with the little one pulling a fourth quarter rally to (yes, we’re mixing lots of metaphors) pull off the upset (this is no spoiler, you know your history). That upset is again rather engaging and the film picks up its brisk pace and sharp, classic nu-Hollywood economy in the third act, but the second act isn’t as engaging as it should be.
We just realized this one might be still under embargo? Though yes, lots of “thoughts” are already out there. But Variety’s not about to be blacklisted. We’ll end with this Frank Langella is good and the film is solid, but it’s no Oscar shoo-in. You’re never blown away by Langella, nor the film, though if the thespian gets nominated for this turn as the former President, the Oscar-clip they show will be his moment of defeat which is near-perfect for Langella… near-perfect.
The supporting cast is solid too with Kevin Bacon being particularly good. And lastly (we swear) it wont surprise us in the least if writer Peter Morgan gets a screenwriting nod, his script is taut and moves at a nice clip.
Is the part you’re talking about where Langhella is near perfect, where he says, “I hope they choke on their own power and glory,” or something to that effect? There was just a brief bit show in the trailer where he says that, and it seemed like it would be the most powerful scene of his.
Seeing this is plus/minus 2 hours. And I am still half asleep. It better not be boring, or I will piss off a lot of critics with my snoring.
does this mean you are not going to review it, and just let these two posts on the film speak for themselves? i dont see how you could honestly have more thoughts to write a full review, you have done a good job already.