You don't have to remember Watergate (Frost/Nixon)

This film is less about the Frost/Nixon interviews than about the complicated maneuvers that were required to make them happen. In 1977 David Frost was fast on his way to becoming a has-been, looking desperately for a way back into the limelight. Nixon, three years past Watergate and his humiliating resignation of the Presidency, wanted some kind of public redemption. As the two men plan their television encounter, it becomes evident that they are less business partners than adversaries, about to engage in a contest that one of them has to win. It’s kind of a thriller, without car chases and explosions, there are a lot of edge of your seat moments, mostly because David Frost seems woefully unprepared to handle an opponent as formidable as our most infamous President. Frank Langella is remarkable as Nixon; after a while you entirely forget you’re watching an actor play a part. Michael Sheen plays Frost with great humanity and vulnerability, so that you root for him even as you’re aware his cavalier attitude may well doom his most significant project. Great supporting contributions from Oliver Platt, Kevin Bacon, and Sam Rockwell, all playing real people. I saw this film with a bunch of teens, and they liked it, seeing parallels to current events….so don’t hesitate to bring the kids.