For starters, Frost/Nixon is bigger and better than any one component. Instead, it is the fluid compression of a number of components; most noticeably the acting, direction and story writing. Singly each would make only a small dent into the ridiculously intense and historically significant event in which the entire interview revolves around. However, when brought together, the force is undeniable strong as it sets the stage for one of the most comprehensive and exhilarating films to grace the screen in 2008.

Frank Langella, who is a veteran in all the right sense, makes a statement in this film, bringing the publicly crushed Richard Nixon to the big screen. Though lacking in the physical characteristics of the famed leader, Langella fully encompasses the lone President to retire from office through the strong use of voice and character movement. His presence is one of power and determination as he man-handles the younger, more inexperienced Frost during the first eleven days of interviews. However, what makes his performance is the sudden change that takes place during the film's waning minutes, forcing Langella to transform his personality and demeanor at the drop of a hat, and become a whole new man full of insecurities and uncertainty. The transformation is pristine and wholesome, allowing the audience to fully grasp the moment as it is recreated right before their eyes.

Sadly, Michael Sheen, who also gives a brilliant performance as the young and candid David Frost, is overshadowed throughout much of the film as his performance, though strong, is visually crippled by the work of Langella. Thankfully, the two, when sharing time on screen, set off fireworks in terms of chemistry, allowing for audiences to get fixated on their professional, though highly peculiar relationship. Their interactions, most noticeably during the first and final interviews, help to give the film its intense edge; one that will have you on the edge of your seat as you watch one of the most monumental moments in broadcast journalism history.

Not to be outdone is Rob Howard, who makes a strong statement with his work behind the camera. Serving as the film's director, Howard effectively captures the raw emotion and feeling of failure that exists within everyone on screen. From Frost and his assistants to Nixon and his advisers, everyone is fair game in this recreation, making for a great film of uncontrollable factors. And though the entire film is memorable, the highlight comes within the final minutes as Howard strategically places the camera at an angle that fully grasps that feelings of guilt and release that come from the eyes of Langella. Without that particular angle, the dramatic build up would have been lost and the critical work of the film's leading two would have gone unnoticed.

Combine that with an unimaginable story of deceit and self-destruction and Frost/Nixon is an unexpected adventure of a scandal, the aftermath and the feeling of regret; all which compound to form one of America's most recognizable characters and one of 2008's most intense and self-satisfying films.