Frost/Nixon

Here is another involving plot where recent history has already informed us of the outcome (see "Valkyrie" and "Milk"). I was relieved to discover that I was engaged and diverted despite knowing how it ends.

"Frost/Nixon" played in London's West End to great acclaim before it moved to Broadway. It was my good fortune to see this film in a theater with excellent sound, although both of the lead actors are reprising their stage roles, so they are stage-trained and already know how to articulate.

David Frost, a British entertainment gadfly, is played to perfection by the multi-talented Michael Sheen ("Music Within" and "The Queen"), while Frank Langella ("Dracula" and "Superman Returns") made me a tad uncomfortable with his impression of Richard Nixon's voice. Make no mistake, these two fine actors have inhabited these roles through so many performances, they can withstand the scrutiny of the ultra-close close-ups which are typical of this production.

To my great relief, we are not subjected to two hours of "gotcha journalism," but instead have the chance to be entertained by Frost's struggles (his interview show has been cancelled in the U.S.) to sell his interview-with-Nixon concept, to find a network, to sign a sponsor (even Weedeater turns him down), and in general to survive as a showman, by being seen (this time) as a journalist. He even pays Nixon's retainer fee out of his own personal checking account. It's fun to see the wily Swifty Lazar, played by Toby Jones ("Infamous") deftly outmaneuvered by that sly old political fox, Nixon.

Frost is assisted by James Reston, Jr. a firebrand who loathes Nixon and wants blood; he is played by Sam Rockwell ("The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"). In addition, Bob Zelnick, portrayed by Oliver Platt ("Martian Child") brings his vital insider knowledge of Washington D.C. to the table.

Behind the scenes on the other side, Kevin Bacon ("Mystic River") is Nixon's wrenchingly loyal aide, Jack Brennon, who does everything in his power to protect his boss.

This is a fascinating look at a well-known event and I was entertained every step of the way...including the postscript... which shows us the grudging respect the two adversaries developed for one another.