Ron Howard’s new film ‘Frost/Nixon’ is a historical drama adapted for the screen by Peter Morgan from his 2006 play of the same name. Morgan’s play was an ‘inside-story’ dramatisation of the 1977 televised series of interviews that took place between British broadcaster David Frost and the disgraced former American president Richard Nixon.

The film charts the journey from when Frost first came up with the idea of doing the series to his final meeting with Nixon at Nixon’s beach house after filming had been completed. The two leads from the stage production, Frank Langella and Michael Sheen, reprise their roles for the big screen.

‘Frost/Nixon’ works very effectively as a drama, with the tension building up as the legendary broadcaster is desperate to get some admission from Nixon before filming ends. The Frost camp had tapped into the great feeling of resentment amongst many Americans that Nixon had never genuinely accepted responsibility for his actions. One of Frost’s researchers, James Reston Junior, spoke more vehemantly during the film, ‘ We want a conviction’.

With this genre of filmmaking, the richness lies in what impressions of the ‘main players’ one is left with. There were of-course many sides to both men however what most came across about Nixon was that he was a very materialistic man…a man who loved the limelight but knew that he was not liked, a trait whch made him a somewhat tragic figure….an intelligent and very skilled and astute political operator…and a man with an unmistakably imposing and formidable physical presence.

What most came across about David Frost was,- he was a born broadcaster and businessman…a hugely determined man…very charming and kind hearted but quick and sharp…a ladies man… a man who loved show business and the lifestyle that went with it.

Ron Howard’s tight direction was enchanced by a uniformly strong cast with the two leads brilliant. Michael Sheen captured all the physical mannerisms and quirkiness of Frost whilst Frank Langella gave an imposing, haunting portrayal of Nixon.

‘Frost/Nixon’ is currently playing the Dendy Newtown, Palace Norton Street, Verona, Cremorne, United Collaroy, Hoyts Broadway, Chatswood Mandarin and Cinema Paris, and Greater Union Bondi Junction.