The Watergate scandal, fifty years on, can be perceived as one of the most overrated events in 20th-century history. This sentiment may arise when considering the current political landscape in the United States, which is marred by covert military engagements justified under dubious pretexts and administrations that employ their powers to surveil and undermine political adversaries. Such actions, once deemed unforgivable crimes during Nixon's presidency, have become a troubling norm, often rationalised by the very generations that once condemned them. Hollywood has continued to perpetuate the mythos surrounding Watergate, with Ron Howard’s 2008 film Frost/Nixon serving as a prime example of this enduring fascination.
Frost/Nixon is adapted from acclaimed 2006 play by Peter Morgan a British playwright and screenwriter renowned for his docudramas that chronicle significant moments in British history during the latter part of the 20th century and into the 21st. The plot begins with a prologue set in 1974, depicting Nixon's resignation as he becomes the first U.S. president to step down amidst the revelations of his involvement in the Watergate scandal. Three years later, David Frost (played by Michael Sheen), popular British televison reporter and host working in Australia, seeks to interview Nixon (played by Frank Langella), who has largely evaded commentary on his disgraceful exit from office. Frost's ambition is twofold: he aims to elevate his status from a "lightweight" celebrity interviewer to a respected journalist while Nixon hopes to use the platform to rehabilitate his tarnished legacy. Their conflicting motivations create a tension that drives the narrative forward, culminating in what would become one of television's most memorable interviews.
Similar to Morgan's previous work The Queen, Frost/Nixon exemplifies what many consider Oscar bait. Released at the year's end during awards season, it features performances that are heavily reliant on its cast—most notably Sheen and Langella, who reprised their roles from the stage production. Langella's portrayal earned him a Tony Award and garnered significant attention from Oscar voters. The film also taps into Boomer nostalgia; for many actors and viewers from this generation, Watergate represents a bittersweet reflection on political disillusionment following the tragedies of JFK’s assassination and the Vietnam War.
The film's release coincided with the waning days of George W. Bush's presidency, a leader often compared unfavourably to Nixon. As Bush prepared to hand over power to Barack Obama, he claimed that history would ultimately vindicate him—a sentiment echoed by Nixon during his own post-presidency. Frost/Nixon posits that such attempts at redemption are futile, presenting Frost as a journalistic hero whose efforts exposed Nixon’s failings. .
For younger audiences or those who view Watergate through a modern lens—where it may seem less significant compared to current events—Frost/Nixon might not resonate deeply. They may perceive it as an overhyped retelling of what was essentially a "storm in a teacup." By 1977, Nixon had become politically irrelevant; any potential shift in public perception following the interviews seemed unlikely. Although Nixon eventually experienced a slow rehabilitation over decades—largely due to subsequent presidents appearing worse by comparison—the film’s dramatic stakes may feel diminished for contemporary viewers.
Ron Howard directs Frost/Nixon competently but without much flair. He attempts to mask its theatrical origins through documentary-style interjections featuring commentary from Frost’s and Nixon’s staff members. While these elements provide some variety and context, they ultimately detract from the film's dramatic tension. The pacing occasionally falters as scenes strive for suspense but sometimes sacrifice historical accuracy for heightened drama.
Despite its flaws, Frost/Nixon stands as a solid representation of historical events and offers an engaging portrayal of its central figures. However, it remains fundamentally a Hollywood production. Those seeking an authentic understanding of Watergate would benefit more from watching actual interviews or documentaries dedicated to Nixon’s tumultuous presidency rather than relying solely on this dramatized account.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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