Frost Nixon: The Original Watergate Interviews (1977)

As I suppose one might expect, the actual Frost/Nixon interviews are not as focused or dramatic as the movie version in which Frank Langella plays President Richard Nixon (to which I give 4.5 stars). Like a video transcript, the actual interviews constitute a vital historical record, of course, esp. as "primary source materials" and so they are essential viewing for anyone interested in the topic. (Don't overlook The Complete Watergate Interviews if you are so inclined.) These interviews feel like a younger cousin to Meet the Press, with David Frost feinting from the start with a cagey opening question ("Do you feel that you have obstructed justice?") and Nixon bobbing and weaving (verbally) throughout as he "explains" how his motivations and actions did not amount to committing a crime. In the end, I almost missed Nixon's key admission that he let down the nation and everyone involved. (His words were more effectively framed in the dramatized version.) At 88 minutes (the Instant View version was 75 minutes), the actual interviews are must-see viewing if you are a politics or history junkie. Just bring some popcorn to replace the missing adrenaline with energetic munching. 3.5 stars. (8-24-10 posted 9-19-10)