Frost/Nixon

It's almost unbelievable, but Howard surprised and made a solid film. I wouldn't say that such a “ordinary”, purely conversational approach could captivate more than any of Howard's action scenes from previous works. Without sentiment, without fluff, only the most efficient and relatively gentle reconstruction of the well-known conversation between fantastically a played Nixon and an excellent Frost. The performances were phenomenal and that's what it was primarily about. (06/13/2010)

In this film, everything works like a well-oiled Swiss watch of the highest quality. Both of the actors in the titular lead roles deliver excellent performances in a dialogue duel focusing on a detailed portrayal of their characters, shot and edited in the most appealing way possible. This makes Frost/Nixon completely unique and it’s a testimony to Ron Howard’s extraordinary ability to render difficult subject matter in a way that pleases even the most consumerist viewer. No matter how good they may be, films of this kind are usually protracted, intimate and gloomy, offering an intellectual exercise rather than emotion or attractive visuals. Together with Hans Zimmer’s music and the ferocious chemistry (but also humility and respect) between the two rivals played by Michael Sheen and Frank Langella, the visuals of Frost/Nixon make this a juicy, sexy film delicacy. (02/25/2009)

An enthralling conversational drama that goes from a simple interview to an event with potential unexpected consequences. The acting performances are at times breathtaking and Langella is utterly convincing as Nixon. And Howard knows exactly what he's doing, thickening the atmosphere immediately during the first tape when Nixon takes Frost down, and escalating it twice, first on the phone and then during the last 20 percent of the movie. I don't understand why he did the Langdon series when he is much better at this sort of thing. Plus, Zimmer's music is once again top notch. (04/29/2009)

A boxing match between a political champion and a loser from an entertainment slum, 4 rounds at a dazzling pace and nerve-wracking gradation. Ron Howard undoubtedly trimmed the political issue, adjusted both characters and put them into the ever popular scheme "David vs. Goliath KO in the last round"... However, I am honestly searching in vain, trying to find out when I enjoyed it more and when, behind the brilliantly elaborated scheme, I found such an exciting background and point that goes beyond mere entertainment. The Frost/Nixon duel reveals the part of politics one has to follow breathlessly, media fireworks, a powerful story and a remarkable message about the power of the television screen. I don't think this film will surpass the other Oscar favorite, in my opinion. (02/23/2009)

Reflecting on one of the black shadows of American history while thoroughly dissecting diverse human characters, this two-hour conversation is propelled by Howard's reliably craftsman-like direction and the amazing acting performance by everyone (!) involved. Yet despite the exceptionalism of the supporting parts, it is ultimately the excellent Martin Sheen and his crackpot 1970s metrosexual who falls flat on his face, and especially (I’m not afraid to use the word) the brilliant Frank Langella, who do in fact carry the film. The way Langella inhabited the character of Richard Nixon - a tall but stooped man who has been whittled to the bone by two years of affairs, yet still has that dark sparkle in his eyes and the sharp tongue with which he can fend off opponents - reminds me in many ways of oil tycoon D. D. Lewis. The fact that Langella was politically overlooked in the Oscar race in favor of the homosexual Milk made me jump out of my chair. And finally, there’s Ron Howard - the religious conspiracy screaming is forgiven because the visual concept (excellent editing and cinematography) and overall swing bring the film to the absolute peak. Along with Stone’s W., this is one of the most interesting "political" films of recent times (maybe even years). (01/27/2009)