Frost, as portrayed by Michael Sheen, comes across as both professionally aggressive and personally sensitive. To reboot his career, he rounds up a top notch crew of other 40-somethings who set out to trap Nixon in an unprecedented two-hour TV interview.

Kevin Bacon in the role of Jack Brennan is Nixon’s only loyal aide, who in reality spent every day at his side. Bacon did extensive research and spent hours with Brennan in preparation for his role.

Somewhere along the way one can’t help recognizing that the story pits an entire team of TV wizards at the top of its game against an aged, ex-President, crushed by having been forced to resign from office, and his loyal aide. In real life, Frost was successful in revitalizing his career, but in this film his victory seems less than impressive as he attacks a world-weary opponent twice his age who is answering the bell one last time.

While the TV interview is based on the actual program, the single scene most damning of Nixon – a late night phone call between Nixon and Frost – is completely fictitious, as confirmed by Director Ron Howard himself.

A slick and serious motion picture well worth your time and money.

Screenplay by Peter Morgan
Based on the Stage Play by Peter Morgan
Produced by Brian Grazer, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Ron Howard
Directed by Ron Howard

Cast:
Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Rebecca Hall, Toby Jones,
Matthew MacFadyen, Oliver Platt, Sam Rockwell

Rated R, 122 minutes