Frost/Nixon

Media star David Frost wants to intervies the infamous US President Richard Nixon who resigned following the Watergate scandal. Nixon never admitted any guilt or apologised for this, which prompted David Frost to reveal the truth to the public. Although Nixon has a few other interview offers but he ultimately agrees to Frost's proposal, because of a huge amount of $6,00,000 fee for his appearance in the interview. Moreover he also wants to show the world that he is still an elite personality so that he can further excel in his political career. He feels that he can outsmart Frost, whereas Frost is well prepared to make this interview series a sharp blow to Nixon. But presently Frost is having difficulty in his professional life. Many interviews being cancelled, he is in a financial crunch. He is much disturbed and does not know how to raise $2 million needed for the show, but the fate turns upside down with a phone call...
It is remarkable that Frank Langella neither looks nor sounds like Nixon. In spite of these drawbacks, he has played the role most convincingly. Instead of just copying the Former President, Langella has incorporated his own version of the character which makes the scenes more realistic.
The other star, Michael Sheen had to face a bigger challenge. For just as everyone knows what David Frost looks and sounds like, so most people can do an impression of him. Sheen then has to play an instantly recognisable public figure in such a fashion as to steer clear of the "Hello, good evening and welcome". That he more than accomplishes this might have something to do with having played the role for the better part of two years on the West End and Broadway stage.
A good film altogether.

Awards : Nominated for 5 Oscars, another 31 nominations and 7 wins.

Genre : Drama, History

Slumdog Millionaire

On its face, Slumdog Millionaire, this year’s little-movie-that-could and current Best Picture frontrunner, could be mistaken for a hollow piece of filmmaking. While no prominent critic has suggested this, it’s important to realize that the movie is essentially made up of imagery-dense, music-video-esque sequences; old-fashioned Dickensian themes; and simple flashback storytelling. Juxtaposed with how complex the film actually comes across, this fact stands as an awe-inducing testament to just what a massive accomplishment Slumdog Millionaire is.

While I normally reject auteur theory because film is the ultimate collaborative medium, it would be hard to deny that director Danny Boyle, always the engineer of cinema, is responsible for the bulk of Slumdog Millionaire’s success. He is the hands-on anchor of every vital element of the film, from the poignant performances of his cast of mostly non-actors to the unbelievable camerawork done on three cutting-edge units by DP Anthony Dod Mantle to editor Chris Dickens’ adrenaline-pumping knack for pacing.

This is a really great movie! I agree that the youngest actors of Salim etc were the best - they definitely deserve some kind of award. I loved how many stories were told, from various areas such as discipline/hunger/survival etc. I really didn't expect the movie to be as good as it was. I think it will make you think about your situation in life and make many people appreciate what they have. It's a very moving film and I recommend everyone sees it.