Frost/Nixon-historical drama of mind games

[MrBern]

Another fine Ron Howard film.
Its not a visually glamorous film, a depiction on how David Frost orchestrated an interview w/ Ex-President Richard Nixon.
It must have been a very compelling theater piece, but only had a limited run on Broadway.
So dont expect any CGI spectacle. This film is a battle of wills. A psychological game between a successful entertainer & a shrewd debater. Each man realizes that the interviews could be a springboard to success & or a career disaster.

I was amused by some of Nixon's concern over Frost's shoes...discussing them with his staff. Bewildered by the suitability of italian loafers. Questioning the masculinity or lack thereof.

 

[Nighthawk]

Another fine Ron Howard film.
I was amused by some of Nixon's concern over Frost's shoes...discussing them with his staff. Bewildered by the suitability of italian loafers. Questioning the masculinity or lack thereof.

Nixon was (obviously) a complex man.

NH

 

[just_me]

Nixon was (obviously) a complex man.

That's one way to put it.

 

[Nighthawk]

^ Haha, yes, but we are not allowed to get into direct political discussions here on the Lounge so I avoided being direct.

I should add that I havn't seen this movie yet. It does look intriguing, though.

All the President's Men was great. I havn't seen Oliver Stones' Nixon. The SNL spoof film (was it called Dick?) was pretty lame.

NH

 

[Rachael]

I would be very pleased to find this film on par with "Good Night and Good Luck". I partcularly enjoy films that reflect snippets of history while reflecting a larger truth. So often history is painted with such a large brush that the nuances are lost; films such as this can save the snippets for future generations (like my children).

 

[MrBern]

Yes we have to avoid politics in our posts.

But we can still talk about film.
Nixon was part of the Greatest Generation.
And he was under Eisenhower's wing.
So its interesting to see Nixon's conviction & confidence in what he'd done despite the disgrace of leaving office.
In some character's in the film you see complete devotion. Some, utter contempt.

I like the concept that Nixon is very much wary that TV could betray him as it exploited his sweaty lip in the Kennedy Debate 17 years earlier.
BUT if you ever watch the AndyGriffith film A Face In The Crowd (1957), Nixon is mentioned as an example of using televison to create positive media image. Specifically, they mention using Checkers to gain the audience's sympathy.
Check OuttheChecker'sSpeech on Youtube

Background on the Checker's Speech by Vice PresidentNixon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Checkers_speech