Howard/Nixon
Frost/Nixon director Ron Howard, posting today in the Times Online, says he hopes "the film does [for audiences] what Peter's play did for me -- reminds us that accountability matters.
"When the system allows our leaders to hide behind verbal gymnastics, or to have their sins blithely rationalized by the complexity of the office they hold, it is up to the people to demand a reckoning. And while the media is an industry vying for customers, it must somehow also be that instrument of enlightenment for us, the public who so desperately rely upon it." (Which is precisely what Dan Rather said a day or so ago in Manhattan.)
"I hope that our film reminds us all that truth, in the end, is not merely a good idea, but is worth struggling for. And, last but not least, I hope that it reminds us of the pleasure and excitement of a good human drama well played. I experienced that in London a couple of years ago, and I hope those who see Frost/Nixon on the screen feel that same sensation."
Howard wrote the piece as a tip of the hat to Frost/Nixon's showing tonight at the 52nd Times BFI London Film Festival, which will run until 10.30.
Posted by Jeffrey Wells on October 15, 2008 at 8:45 AM
comment #1
p.Vice
says ...
Howard's naivete is chilling. He wants people to think -- but only after making sure they're entertained in the most obvious and superficial ways possible! Maybe he didn't realize that his audience will be too preoccupied by Michael Sheen's hideous wig to dig for phantom truffles of intellectual stimulation surrounding the concept of truth.
I guess this is a further extrapolation of why he's one of the worst filmmakers of the last quarter-century!
Posted by p.Vice
at October 15, 2008 9:06 AM
comment #2
SaveFarris
says ...
And if anyone knows about Instruments of Enlightenment, it's Dan Rather. It must have been one of those instruments that generated a Microsoft Word document back in 1968.
Posted by SaveFarris
at October 15, 2008 10:34 AM