Last night I saw a preview of “Frost/Nixon” thanks to the event organisers at Hoyts Cinema and The American Chamber of Commerce in Australia. This Ron Howard-directed film chronicles the post-Presidency bid for redemption by Nixon, and his undoing by British talk show host David Frost. (An exceptional performance by Frank Langella as Richard Nixon - he will be nominated for an Academy Award!)
The story centres on a series of television interviews. Frost wants to get Nixon on tape admitting culpability. Nixon wants to restore his reputation and drive his agenda of leadership. Clearly only one can win.
Through the interviews Nixon holds the upper hand. His responses are rehearsed and his answers are long (one was 23 minutes!). Kevin Bacon plays an advisor who whispers in Nixon’s ear saying the long answers ensure he dominates the discussion. Until the very end it looks as if Nixon will have his way.
Films based on actual and well-known events that can still build suspense are masterful. We know Nixon falls - we’re waiting to see when.
In the end the undoing is made for television. Frost understood the impact of close-ups and how a facial expression conveys everything to television viewers. Nixon folded. Langella recreates it perfectly.
Watch “Frost/Nixon” because it is a masterful film. But watch it also to learn how masters try to win in media interviews. And Nixon was a master. But in the end, he was out-gunned by Frost and done in by his own dirty deeds.
