Chichester Cinema at New Park
Frost / Nixon
Peter Morgan's electrifying depiction of the historic encounter between Richard Nixon (Frank Langella), the disgraced president with a legacy to save, and David Frost (Michael Sheen), a jet-setting television personality with a name to make, began its hugely successful life as a hit on the London stage.
Now award-winning director Ron Howard brings this remarkable story to the screen, not only recreating the on-air interview, but also showing the motivations of both men, and the around-the-world, behind the scenes manoeuvring and machinations at play. For three years after being forced to resign, Nixon remained silent.
But in summer 1977, the former commander-in-chief agreed to sit for one all-inclusive interview to confront the questions of his time in office and the Watergate scandal that ended his presidency. Nixon surprised everyone in selecting Frost as his televised confessor, intending to outfox the breezy British showman and rehabilitate himself in the hearts and minds of the American people.
Despite Frost's consummate grasp of the power and workings of television, his team harboured doubts about their boss' ability to hold his own. But as cameras rolled, a charged battle of wits ensued. Would Nixon evade questions of his role in one of the nation's greatest disgraces? Or would Frost confound critics and wrestle accountability from the man who'd built a career out of stonewalling?
Keeping the integrity of the original play intact, yet making it thoroughly cinematic, the supporting cast includes Kevin Bacon, Rebecca Hall and Toby Jones. Imaginative, intelligent, and darkly amusing, this is a riveting study of a unique political and cultural moment. Not to be missed!
USA · 2008 · Ron Howard · 122min
