Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • April 29, 2009 New on DVD: Academy Award Best Picture nominee by Dennis Seuling “Frost/Nixon” (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) is a riveting motion picture about the historic series of television interviews conducted by David Frost (Michael not resemble Nixon physically, he captures his essence with the gruff voice, stooped posture, and social awkwardness. His Nixon can turn on the charm, hijack an interview, lose his temper, or express indignation as required. This is a superb performance and Langella was rightfully nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his work. Sheen plays Frost as a man well over his head, but never given to pessimism or discouraged by those on his staff who feel the interviews are allowing Nixon to ramble on and avoid tough questions. His Frost is in awe of Nixon, yet finds a way to go for the kill. Suspense is created as the interviews progress and Nixon checkmates Frost’s attempts to elicit serious answers. A lifetime in politics has made Nixon an expert in how to deflect a question, provide half answers, and smile his way out of a tough spot. It gets to a point at which Frost’s confidence wavers and he fears the interviews will be his show biz swan song. The film’s stage origins are evident, but director Ron Howard does open up the proceedings, especially in a scene contrasting the arrivals of Frost and Nixon at the TV studio. Frost arrives to polite applause from celebrity-watchers. Frost acknowledges the small crowd politely, just as Nixon in a limousine draped with American and Presidential flags and accompanied by his entourage, appears. Visually, the scene suggests David taking on Goliath. The expression on Frost’s face indicates he knows his reputation is at stake and he will be facing a formidable adversary. The movie co-stars Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell, Oliver Platt, and former 1950s child star Patty McCormack. “Frost/Nixon” is available in both DVD and Blu-ray formats. Bonus features include deleted scenes, a making-of feature, commentary with Ron Howard, and a look at the (continued on page 22) State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 Frank Langella and director Ron Howard discuss a scene in ‘Frost/Nixon.’ Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 1 $ 00 VT On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 2 VT Sheen) with former U.S. President Richard M. Nixon (Frank Langella). Nixon has resigned the presidency, but never apologized to the American people for his part in the Watergate cover-up. Every major news organization has attempted to gain access to Nixon for an interview and been turned down. Frost, not a newsman but an entertainment figure, succeeds because he held out the carrot of a huge paycheck. Based on the stage play by Peter Morgan, the film goes behind the scenes as Frost puts everything on the line, financially and professionally. Now that he has bought Nixon’s cooperation, he must interest a network, treat Nixon and his handlers with kid gloves, mediate among researchers eager to crucify him, and seduce him into making damaging admissions on primetime TV. Langella is extraordinary as Nixon. Although he does �� � ��� � �� � AS E ST FI ������ ���� ��� ���������������� ��������������������������������� ������������������ ��������������� �������������� ������ ������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ��������������������� ������������ SUNDAY, MAY 10th ������������������������������� ���������������� �������������� ���� ���������� �������� ��������������� ������������� ��������������� ������������������ ���������������������������������������� ������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ����������� ��������� � �������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� ������������ ���������� �������������������������� ������������ ��������� �������������������������� ������������ $18.95 per adult • $8.95 per child Clown Entertainment ��������������������� 11:30-2:30 ����������������� ���������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������