• The film is in the archvies because of the strong two performances from Michael Sheen and Frank Langella (Oscar nom here… 5 total noms here for the film which is wild)
  • The performances are not mimicry—they are confident, studied (I think both played them in the stage version) and confident performances
  • Strong supporting cast as well from the likes of sam rockwell, oliver platt and kevin bacon
  • Had a problem with some of the fake transitional dialogue—“I wonder what david frost is doing now…” and he’s doing something goofy. It’s unnatural and sloppy by howard
  • Really is a powerful chess match (or boxing as compared in film) and this is captured well in two shot format by howard
  • Riveting story/narrative
  • The only ron howard film that I think is vastly superior is Apollo 13
  • Recommend