This is a well done movie. It is sharply written with fully drawn characters and some memorable dialog. One of the characters is one of the most important public figures in 20th Century America, Richard Nixon. It is based in real events and is the adaptation of a successful play. The performances have been lauded by critics, and I concur that they are praiseworthy.

One problem.

It never gets past the “who cares?” moment.

What do we care? David Frost, a smarmy Australian entertainer/television host lands a series of interviews with Richard Nixon following Nixon’s resignation from the Presidency. The two men verbally and psychologically duel throughout the interviews (both on and off the record). In the end, Frost gets Nixon to admit that his approach to the presidency was overreaching and criminal.

And?

We all already know this.

The man was about to be impeached. We know his thoughts on the power of the Presidency were out of whack with reality.

A film should have a purpose. A film without purpose is little more than a entrancing, flashing lights on a wall. This movie is devoid of a moving point. Its not a deep character study given that we learn nothing new about the characters. Its not a political statement since it is surprisingly without an axe to grind - a remarkable feat in the age of BDS. I couldn’t find any reason for this film to exist other than for the sake of just existing.

Again, it is a aptly made film and the performances are good. I just can’t justify telling people its worth sitting through.




Related Reviews:
Presidential movies
Death of a President (2006)
Thirteen Days (2000)


Other Critic's Reviews:
Cinema Dave
Apollo Movie Guide

Labels: film, Frank Langella, Kevin Bacon, Michael Sheen, movie review, Oliver Platt, Ron Howard, Sam Rockwell

A sympathetic look at the struggles of a recently released pedophile? No thanks. This film is well acted and pretty well directed but the script is far too permissive on the subject of pedophilia and way, way too accommodating. Kevin Bacon deserves credit for a strong performance as Walter, the aforementioned sex offender. Too bad his hard work is all in service to something so morally corrupt. Writer/Director Nicole Kassell attempts to avoid our natural, and justified, contempt for her pedophile hero by not revealing his crime until well into the film. The thinking is that we will grow comfortable with Walter and have sympathy for his tormented soul so when his disgusting urges are discussed we will be compelled to be more understanding. This attempt to humanize the worst in the spectrum of human evil is disturbing. I can hear detractors arguing that the film isn’t sympathetic to the pedophile since it doesn’t support his lust. The problem is that it doesn’t completely condemn it. Walter is shown as a victim of himself and of society. He is out of step with the world because of his urges. The judgment of the world is represented by a belligerent, snooping cop Sgt. Lucas (Mos Def). The combative relationship between Lucas and Walter sets up the situation where the cop is the villain and the pedophile is the hero (structurally speaking). I don’t know about you but this is where I get off the train.

Listen, I get that everyone seems to think that we need to have an understanding of all branches of humanity. I get it. This understanding doesn’t need to extend to presenting weak-willed narratives taking the side of the offender. When we begin offering sympathetic looks at the most evil people in our society, (c’mon, the poor guy can’t help himself) then we begin condoning it.


Related Reviews:
Mos Def movies
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
Something the Lord Made (2004)

Other Critic's Reviews:
Beyond Hollywood
Combustible Celluloid

Labels: film, Kevin Bacon, Mos Def, movie review

Screenwriter: Peter Morgan (The Queen)
Director: Ron Howard (The Da Vinci Code)
Actors: Kevin Bacon (Hollow Man), Sam Rockwell (Matchstick Men), Frank Langella (Superman Returns), Patty McCormack (Shallow Ground), Michael Sheen (Blood Diamond), and Oliver Platt (Casanova)

Labels: film, Frank Langella, Kevin Bacon, movie trailer, Oliver Platt, Ron Howard, Sam Rockwell