Reporters Loving Reporters: The Frost/Nixon Story

By Steven Zeitchik

Get ready to read a lot of favorable pieces about "Frost/Nixon." That's not because the movie is flawless (it's good, with strong performances and cultural tonalities and a powerful sense of justice, but not flawless), but because no movie flatters the press like this one.

You have to go back to 90's entertainments like "The Paper" to see even traces of this kind of moral elevation, and all the way back to "All the President's Men" to find a heroism so comprehensive. Most journalistic movies in the past thirty years have been informed by more cynical conceptions: opportunism, ("The Insider"), naivete ("Absence of Malice") cheating ("Shattered Glass") shallowness ("The Devil Wears Prada"),
and all of the above ("Broadcast News")

A quick summary on F/N: The movie, based on Peter Morgan's play, takes a look at the verbal sparring -- more like a lopsided UFC match until the inevitable final-round comeback -- between Richard Nixon and David Frost in the months shortly after Nixon's resignation. But the real drama is between Frost and his team, the former of whom comes from a slick talk-show background and the latter of which are relentless (though not entirely humorless) truthseekers.

The movie, like so many about journalism, understands reporting as a mix of detective work and cross-examination, not as a quest for revelation and information. The great achievement comes when Frost corners Nixon, like some kind of debate-team champion,  into a confession, and the coup de grace is pulled off with some kind of muddy investigative triumph (the smoking gun was in federal papers...the...whole...time)

No matter. Frost wins his battle, and the team, which includes the righteous James Reston Jr. in Sam Rockwell's best turn in a long time, is celebrated not just onscreen but through viewer catharsis.

The timing couldn't be better for such a message of uplift. Journalists, you may have noticed, are taking a beating on all fronts. There's Sarah Palin, telling us how she'd rather go directly to the American people instead of through pesky and unnecessary filters; they just get in the way. There's the Tribune company, cutting meat and bone and the entire animal. And then there's all the media itself telling us, tendentiously, how all the other media is too tendentious to listen to.

Amid all this, what could be more comforting than a reminder -- no, a celebration -- of a time when journalists mattered, when they didn't just have the courage of their convictions but used those convictions to topple leaders, and were celebrated as rock stars for doing so. At the Westside media screening we attended Tuesday evening, there was knowing, sometimes showy, laughter to many of the media jokes, vocal reminders that the many press in the audience Get It and will happily crow about this movie to show that they Get It.

When "Sideways" made its unlikely run to awards and box-office glory four yeas ago, it did so on the backs of critics drawn to Paul Giamatti's inner critic and curmudgeon. Print  and broadcast reporters will be similarly enthused to see such glowing versions of themselves.

Comments

[Anon]

"Sam Rockwell's best turn in a long time"? Uh, have you not seen Choke? (I thought he was pretty good in Joshua too.)

[musichyper]

Frost/Nixon is a grand exploration into the dark and dirty political realm that I enjoyed immensly. The acting is superb and the story intriguing. I don't see why this was scored so low.

I HYPED Frost/Nixon on EverHYPE and scored it 89%, which I think is very accurate.

http://www.everhype.com/hyper/mikeborgia?X=M703

If you get on there, rate me a 5 on it and request friendship.

[vaibhav]

Ganesh naik is solved problems of Cidco Promises Navi Mumbai Reporters and journalists Press Club and Residential Colony

CIDCO has provided a new ray of hope to the journalists of the city. It has decided to not just provide them with a Press Club but also a residential colony. The same was announced by CIDCO President Nakul Patil in a meet organized at D Y Patil auditorium.
The press is known as the fourth pillar of a democracy but unfortunately they are most often than not neglected by the civic body and the local administration be it NMMC or Police Commissioner ate or CIDCO. And while CIDCO may call Navi Mumbai a complete city, it has failed to provide any plot or land for the development plans specifically for journalists. Most of the time the journalists are forced to work in the small room in the NMMC HQ inadvertently affecting their work....

http://ganeshnaik-navimumbai.blogspot.com/2008/12/wait-it-over-cidco-promises-navi-mumbai.html

http://ganeshnaik-navimumbai.blogspot.com

[Naresh Divekar]

it’s Advantage Sanjeev Naik in the Thane Belapur Lok Sabha By Polls – That’s Our Weekend Election.

The first opinion poll of the by elections of Thane Belapur election campaign shows that the top two contenders on offer to voters are in fact not running neck and neck. A little study shows that NCP candidate Sanjeev Naik is set to unseat the Sena hold on the constituency with a significant victory. Our weekend exclusive brings to you all the answers on the probable questions of how this will become a reality.
This isn’t the battle for one constituency but war for power in Maharashtra – and if there is a contender saying the right words at the right place at the right time – it is Sanjeev Naik. Experience of working at ground level has humbled Sanjeev Naik into a public figure who immediately strikes a chord with the public. Sena’s Anand Paranjpe might score on any front but cannot match the understanding and maturity of…………

http://navimumbai-naiksanjeev.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-advantage-sanjeev-naik-in-thane.html

http://navimumbai-naiksanjeev.blogspot.com

[vaibhav]

Party Workers Support Sanjeev Naik’s Candidature for the elections.

NCP workers deny that Sanjeev Naik’s candidature for the bye-elections came as a surprise for them. They claims that they were, In fact, Preparing themselves for the elections next year.
Gopinath Thakur, NCP’s district president of Navi Mumbai, opnies that Sanjeev Naik is the right canididate for the party in the forthcoming elections.
“He is an able administrator and experienced as well. Even if he has just eight months to prove himself, he will and that is something everyone will see for themselves,” said Thakur.
Anjani Bhoir, mayor of Navi Mumbai, perceives Naik as the best candidate for the forthcoming elections.
“Sanjeev Naik is a wise man ans he has the ablility to connect well with people of all age groups and all walks of life. He can reach out to People, not just in the city, but in rural and tribal areas as well. He is the son....

http://navimumbai-naiksanjeev.blogspot.com/2009/03/party-workers-support-sanjeev-naiks.html

http://navimumbai-naiksanjeev.blogspot.com

[naresh]

Standing Committee Approved Budget to NMMC General Body.

26.02.09,
The approved NMMC budget 2009-2010 was presented in the General Body meet for discussions and deliberations with Dr Sandeep Naik. The discussions on the budget would be held for two days. The Standing Committee proposed budget of Rs 1350.0743 crores has allocated additional funds for setting up a……………

http://sandeepnaik-navimumbai.blogspot.com/2009/02/chairman-sandeep-naik-presents-standing.html

http://sandeepnaik-navimumbai.blogspot.com

www.sandeepnaik.com

[rama]

Dr.Sanjeev Naik-NCP-Congress-RPI Candidate from Thane Constituency
It was big day for the NCP party as the Navi Mumbai’s first Mayor Dr. Sanjeev Naik filed his nominations as the NCP-Congress-RPI candidate from the Thane constituency. Thane Belapur Lok Sabha constituency is a trailer of who will rule the corridors of power in the next assembly elections in this region. The Thane Collector’s office looked like a fortress with strict police bandobast as senior most leaders of the NCP party arrived to stand by Dr. Sanjeev Naik as he filed his nominations as the NCP candidate for the by polls.
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.comhttp://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html

[rashmi]

RPI (Ektavadi) extends Support to Sanjeev Naik.
RPI’s Ektavadi party has announced its support to Thane Loksabha constituency candidate Dr Sanjeev Naik. Despite 22 candidates from the RPI contesting for the Loksabha polls from several regions, the party has extended its support to UPA candidate Dr Sanjeev Naik in Thane. RPI Ektavadi Director Gangaram Indise informed that in order to restrict the growth of religiously inspired powers and form an association, the party is supporting the UPA candidate Dr. Sanjeev Naik.
The party is hoping that their candidate will resolve issues concerning the minority and backward classes like the implementation of atrocity law, shelter to slum dwellers residing on forest land and others.
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.comhttp://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html

[shobha]

THE GANESH NAIK WILL MAGIC WORK FOR HIS SON’S VICTORY IN THANE LOK SABHA ELECTIONS 2009……….
For a leader who proved his magic in the 2004 assembly elections’ record victory, today NCP Navi Mumbai Supremo Ganesh Naik is perhaps fighting one of the biggest battles of his political career. Our weekend exclusive today tries to find the answer to the question “Will the Ganesh Naik magic work for his son Dr. Sanjeev Naik’s victory in the Thane Lok Sabha Elections 2009?”

[anjan]

Dr.Sanjeev Naik Continued Social Work in Education and Sports in Navi Mumbai and Thane
Another initiative undertaken by the NCP party under the leadership of Dr. Sanjeev Naik included the Navi Mumbai Krida Mahotsav 2009. Sounding excited about the tremendous response the drawing competition organized by them received in Navi Mumbai and Thane, Dr. Sanjeev Naik says that he is encouraged to do better.
Dr. Sanjeev Naik has also been seen on various stages and platforms in Navi Mumbai to promote art, heritage and culture of natives and migrants in a city that is come to be known as Mini India. Speaking on the need to do this he says. All said and done, Dr. Sanjeev Naik’s social initiatives are pretty popular in Navi Mumbai but will it help decide the course of his fate in his favor during these parliamentary elections, we’ll soon find out.
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.comhttp://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html

[.......]

Priority to best Infrastructure - Dr. Sanjeev Naik
Talking to Media, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate Sanjeev Naik said, “My aim is to not only provide the basic amenities but also to get the best infrastructure for the people of this constituency.”
“I will work towards solving the water woes of Thane and Mira-Bhayander Cities. To create more job opportunities for the youth, I will make a blue-print proposal for setting up more infotech zones in the Thane- Belapur area,” reiterated Dr. Sanjeev Naik.
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.comhttp://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html

[.......]

Have a Smooth Ride- Go on the Thane- Belapur Road Says Ganesh Naik.
While the concretization work at Thane Belapur Road might have brought nightmares to the commuters for the last two years, with the work coming to a closure, everyone is praising NMMC for the smooth drive on the concretized roads. The Thane Belapur Road – has been commuters’ worst nightmares for decades but looks like the nightmare is finally coming to a closure with the closure of the concretization work of the road. The concretization project that was promoted by
Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik and pushed by first Mayor Dr. Sanjeev Naik at the NMMC level.
As the work of concretization is coming to an end, the opinion of the masses, as media surveyed would be music to the ears of the ruling front at NMMC . When media spoke to every segment of commuters and tax paying citizens in Navi Mumbai and Thane, the unanimous opinion is that the drive to and fro from this stretch especially for Navi Mumbaikars and Thaneites was never this smooth, no traffic congestion and time saving.

[.......]

Morbe Dam- Navi Mumbai own 24 x 7 Water Supply Source.
NAVI MUMBAI will soon become the only connection which will supply 24 x 7 Water Supply to General Public. The work of laying water pipeline to connect Morbe Dam to Navi Mumbai is over. The city that seems to have been waiting forever for getting 24 X 7 water supply might have reason to rejoice soon as the city water woes will be washed away with Morbe water. That too at a time when neighbouring like Thane and Mumbai still are miles away from any such relief despite spending Thousands of Crores in the name of water supply.
Morbe Waters is all set to storm the taps of Navi Mumbai and quench the thirst of residents. While Summer 2009 will spell worst water crisis times for neighboring cities Mumbai and Thane, Navi Mumbai will write a different story. And when that happens – the man behind the Morbe Dam first Mayor Dr. Sanjeev Naik will be credited for making Morbe Dam – neighbour’s envy and owner’s pride.

[.......]

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay plus connect 12.
As part of our ‘Reader connect’ initiative, we have started new column wherein you can Email us all your Grievances (related to civic issues) and we shall forward the same to the chairman of the standing committee of NMMC, Sandeep Naik. He will then personally look into the matter and shall take appropriate action. We shall publish your grievance and the action taken by him, ensuring full transparency every week. Last week we got several mails from our readers and we forwarded some of them to him. HERE is the response and action taken by him.

[.......]

Dr.Sanjeev Naik, who became mayor of Navi Mumbai , has proved his ability to work for the welfare of the masses.
While there has been a drastic geographical change in the erstwhile PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY due to delimitation, the width of one of the new and resultant constituencies has not changes much. That means a candidate for a single constituency, such as Thane-Belapur, will have to represent an area right from Navi Mumbai to Thane,Bhayander and Uttan, as one of the major developing areas.
The interests of the people in this constituency are as varied as are the locations. Navi Mumbai has outgrown the initial expectations of the Government and CIDCO and has become a real city in readiness for the crown in the 21st Century.
There should be a contact office and the smallest of the small complaints should reach the elected representative. He should understand the aspirations of the common people in his constituency and should have viable solutions to their genuine problems.
This is Irrespective of the fact that he happens to be the son of the Maharashtra Minister and NCP heavyweight Mr. Ganesh Naik.

[.......]

Sanjeev Naik -“five mantras”
On April 23, Sanjeev Naik “unveiled” his “five mantras” for the constituency’s rapid development which is:
1) Solving water crisis – by bringing the excess water from Morbe Dam to Thane in future to fulfill water requirement.
2) Healthy living – by replicating his success in getting the Cleanest City Award for Navi Mumbai to Thane and Mira-Bhayander as well.
3) Solving traffic problems – by starting sea transport and mono rail in the constituency which will not save time but also reduce the traffic on raod and help to develop reliable and low cost transportation in the region.
4) Pollution Control – by installing sewerage treatment plants in the constituency and plant more trees to protect the environment.
5) Rehabilitation of slums – through SRA similar to Mumbai’s Dharavi slum redevelopment and making the dream come true of the slum dwellers to own a house in a building.

[DIPIKA]

Naik trounces Chauguley
Wins Thane seat with margin of 49,020 votes
The celebrations begun at 9 am when NCP candidate Sanjeev Naik had a clear lead of 350 votes after the initial five rounds of counting for the Thane Parliamentary constituency held at Wagle Estate in Thane on Saturday. Giving a big blow to Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in its traditional bastion, Naik, the elder son of Maharashtra Minister Ganesh Naik, won by a clear margin of 49,020 votes becoming the first Member of Parliament from Navi Mumbai.
While Naik grabbed 3,01,000 lakh votes, his rival Vijay Chauguley of Shiv Sena polled 2,51,980 votes. Political observers attributed the stunning success of Naik to the 'MNS' factor, which ate into the votes of the saffron alliance. MNS candidate Rajan Raje's substantial count of 1,34,840 votes surprised many. Even BSP candidate Avanindra Kumar Tripathi
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.comhttp://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html

[DIPIKA]

'Thank you, Navi Mumbai'
Naik admits that MNS factor played a crucial part

After the victory, a jubilant Sanjeev Naik had only two sentences to say. "The credit for the win goes to my party members and the people who voted for me," Naik said while greeting his party members and followers. An ecstatic crowd lifted Naik and MLC Jitendra Avhad to express their joy. A long car rally around Thane city followed.
He was accompanied by Airoli-based NCP corporator M K Madhvi, Vashi-based loyalist Bharat Nakhate, former standing committee chairperson Jayaji Nath and other prominent corporators of Navi Mumbai. Both, Congress and NCP leaders as well as party workers from Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mira Bhayander area scrambled to take credit for the victory.
http://navimumbai-sanjeevjinaik.blogspot.comhttp://www.sanjeevgnaik.com/index.html

[kanika]

Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik had initiated the drive to provide Additional FSI Decision to be Taken Before Winter Session
Standing up for these families and to provide them with legal houses, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik had demanded to provide additional FSI to slum and gaonthan areas. For this purpose, a survey was even conducted in Bonkande village, a report of which was sent to the Chief Minister. This had come as a ray of hope for these families with the Minister stating that the final decision of this would come prior to the state winter session.

[kanika]

Ganesh Naik Solves the Problems of Power in Villages
The villages situated near MIDC like Pawne, Mahape and many others were forced to live in darkness due to frequent power cuts. However, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik came to the aid of the people and now MSEDC has resolved this issue.
For the past many years, MSEDC has been distributing power to the villages of Mahape, Pawne, Digha and Turbhe through the MIDC feeder. However, these areas used to face power cuts for 24 hours in a week, and sometimes to even 36 hours. With little power supply, the villagers also faced the issue of shortage of water supply. Looking at the problems faced by the villagers, Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik directed MSEDC to provide power to these villages through a different feeder.
http://ganeshnaik-navimumbai.blogspot.com/”>http://ganeshnaik-navimumbai.blogspot.com/">http://ganeshnaik-navimumbai.blogspot.com/">http://ganeshnaik-navimumbai.blogspot.com/”>http://ganeshnaik-navimumbai.blogspot.com/
http://www.ganeshnaik.com/”>http://www.ganeshnaik.com/">http://www.ganeshnaik.com/">http://www.ganeshnaik.com/”>http://www.ganeshnaik.com/

[.............]

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[.............]

Sandeep Naik is the Standing Committee chairman once again
He has become the chairman for the third consecutive year, as no other candidate expresses the desire to file their Nomination Papers from Navi Mumbai this year.

Vashi: From the last two years, NMMC’s Standing Committee’s chairman post has been held by Sandeep Naik. This year, he has become the chairman for the third consecutive year. “We won this post unopposed, as no other corporator filed his nominations papers for this post on Thursday, at the NMMC headquarters. So no voting was required.” Said NMMC secretary Chandrakant Devkar. Naik will be declared chairman of the standing committee 2009-10 led by the divisional commissioner of Konkan Bhavan on Friday at the standing Committee hall.