When David Frost interviewed Richard Nixon, both men were forgotten and willing to forego any journalistic sensibility for cash and/or fame. Frost was looking to get back into the American conscience and Nixon was looking for acceptance. By the end of their "historic interviews," neither men really accomplished their goals. Nixon was all but forgoten while David Frost never attained the fame he so desired. All of which makes the film "Frost/Nixon" hard to swallow. At every point, director Ron Howard tries to make the film into the "Rocky" of journalism pitting David Frost (The Rocky of this battle) against Richard Nixon (presumably the Ivan Drago character). He goes for the dramatic pauses, longing stares, and even a "training montage" where Richard Nixon is seen throwing air jabs at half speed. Of course, Langella does his best to create sympathy for this Richard Nixon. But I can't seem to stop asking myself, "What's the big deal?" This film is a ridiculous attempt to transform these interviews into a grandiose parting of the Red Sea or something much larger than it ever was. It's even more sad when you realize that one of it's Best Picture nominations could have gone to "The Dark Knight."
Friday, January 30, 2009
What's the Big Deal?
When David Frost interviewed Richard Nixon, both men were forgotten and willing to forego any journalistic sensibility for cash and/or fame. Frost was looking to get back into the American conscience and Nixon was looking for acceptance. By the end of their "historic interviews," neither men really accomplished their goals. Nixon was all but forgoten while David Frost never attained the fame he so desired. All of which makes the film "Frost/Nixon" hard to swallow. At every point, director Ron Howard tries to make the film into the "Rocky" of journalism pitting David Frost (The Rocky of this battle) against Richard Nixon (presumably the Ivan Drago character). He goes for the dramatic pauses, longing stares, and even a "training montage" where Richard Nixon is seen throwing air jabs at half speed. Of course, Langella does his best to create sympathy for this Richard Nixon. But I can't seem to stop asking myself, "What's the big deal?" This film is a ridiculous attempt to transform these interviews into a grandiose parting of the Red Sea or something much larger than it ever was. It's even more sad when you realize that one of it's Best Picture nominations could have gone to "The Dark Knight."
Monday, January 05, 2009
Kate and Leo Part 2
I haven't seen a play in almost three years when I was an intern at LA County Arts. And it surprised me even more because I thought that I was watching a film when I paid 13 bucks (still not up to the outrageous $15 at the Arclight) to see "Revolutionary Road." I think that I paid the money because I was curious to see Kate and Leo and all the buzz. It's not that I was disappointed, but there are certain things that a film has that a play cannot provide, primarily the close-up. With such beautiful faces as Kate and Leo, why not get that camera up in their faces. I know that HD can bring out the wrinkles and cracks on a person's face but there is a reason why people go to the movies: it's to see people more beautiful than them. They want to be a part of the action and get that intimate feel. Moviegoers don't want to be on the sidelines.
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