"You were a worthy opponent."
Those were not the words of a boxer or a crime-fighter. They were the words of President Richard Nixon, said to television presenter David Frost in the end of the recently released film "Frost/Nixon".
And though the two never exchanged physical punches or jabs at any point throughout the film, it was a fitting quote.
"Frost/Nixon" is the story behind David Frost's career-making interviews with President Richard Nixon shortly after his resignation from office in 1974.
At a time where over two-thirds of the population wished for a public apology by Nixon for his attempt to cover-up his involvement in the Watergate scandal, Frost decided that he would take it upon himself to provide the people with a deep, thorough interview with the ex-President. As the film progresses, both men begin to realize that if they don't come out as the stronger person in the interviews, their careers and reputations would be done for.
The resulting drama creates a thrilling and tension-filled experience, comparable to that of a good action film, but without a single act of violence throughout the entire film.
Frank Langella and Michael Sheen, who play Nixon and Frost respectively, both expertly demonstrate the strong, yet repressed emotions hiding within their characters. In scenes of the film where the interviews are being taped, Langella and Sheen manage to masterfully portray two people who respectfully loathe each other, who almost wish to get into a fistfight, but don't because they know they can't win that way.
Overall, the film manages to use eloquent language and interviewing skills to create an exhilarating masterpiece. "Frost/Nixon" may very well be one of the best films of 2008, even better than "The Dark Knight" with only a fraction of the marketing.
Rating: 5/5
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