Ron Howard has a reputation for directing stellar films. Well, until 2006 when he brought us the disappointment that was The Da Vinci Code. But because of Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, Cocoon, Backdraft, and others we can forgive him a slip or two. His latest offering Frost/Nixon has already gained much momentum and critic acclaim. Words like best picture and best director are already floating through the thick Hollywood air. But I wouldn't dust off mantel space just yet. True this film is better than most that we have endured this dismal year but Oscar worthy? I am not completely convinced.
 
Based on the actual interview that British talk show host David Frost (Michael Sheen) did with a recently resigned President Nixon (Frank Langella) it is a film that is well directed and certainly entertaining. There were many in our nation that thought Nixon got off way too easy with the pardon granted by newly seated President Ford. There was outrage at the lack of a trial and penalty for Nixon's involvement in Watergate. Frost and his producers and advisors thought that they could give Americans the trial and conviction they wanted. By subjecting Nixon to a rigorous Q and A he would be forced to not only admit his guilt but offer up a well warranted and long expected apology. What they did not foresee was Tricky Dicks ability to sway things his way. They underestimated the man who had three years earlier led our country.
 
There was little about this film that I didn't enjoy. I love watching anything from that era that is tastefully recreated. The look, style and characteristics of the 70's always make me smile. Howard does a good job of showing the struggles of each side leading up to the interview. Frost's being financial and Nixon's personal. The film took on the face of a gold medal boxing match as each side trained and prepared for this jousting of words and perspectives. The supporting cast, including Sam Rockwell, Kevin Bacon, Matthew McFadyen and Oliver Platt all give worthy performances, though again, not sure if award winning.
 
Ron Howard made the statement, "A lot of the greatest dialogue comes right out of the transcripts. But it is so much more than a recreation of the interviews. That is what was sort of dazzling about the writing and what was exciting about directing the movie." I personally think this was a smart balance. The movie doesn't feel wordy in its movement and it is not just two guys droning on. There is a lot of side line drama that carries the film to its final point.  The same perspective rolls in to the character of Nixon. Though Langella does a believable Nixon he doesn't have the exact Nixon personification down pat. He explains why by stating, "If you are playing somebody who is famous and has a whole host of mannerisms that are terribly identifiable you are honor bound to watch them and incorporate them but not imitate them. Then I would be a stand up doing an impression and I was determined not to do an impression."
 
Frost/Nixon is rated R for some language. This 2 hour movie is other wise free of anything offensive or scandalous. Unless Watergate still offends you. I will be honest and give it a very solid 3.75 out of 5 missing minutes. I found it entertaining and informative. Though I do not base my history knowledge on what Hollywood tells me it did cause me to look up a few things and broaden my historical trivia. Most will find this film a decent watch as Howard redeems himself nicely from the director's chair.  It is a drama laced with solid characters and intriguing dialogue. Not quite Oscar worthy but short only by a small margin.