Frank Langella: On Playing Nixon

In the new "Frost/Nixon," Frank Langella conjures up a convincing Richard Nixon.

ByABC News
December 10, 2008, 12:38 PM

Dec. 10, 2008— -- On the set of "Frost/Nixon," actor Frank Langella was treated with cool deference and even called Mr. President.

Creating a mock presidential aura was essential, Langella tells Peter Travers in an interview on ABC News Now's "Popcorn with Peter Travers." During filming, Langella said, he looked on enviously as the crew joked together, but felt the isolation necessary to create the sense of discomfort and loneliness that he sees in Richard Nixon.

Langella has become finely attuned to Nixon's self-destructive nature through his portrayal of the character that has stretched over a year in both London and New York stage productions, and finally in the film "Frost/Nixon" that's currently in theaters.

"He represented to people the worst in their natures," Langella told Travers. "They wanted to ridicule or caricature him, none of which I did. He doesn't need to be further made fun or disgraced because he did it to himself."

"Frost/Nixon" forced the actor to delve repeatedly into Nixon's darkest elements expressed in the film's narrative focus: the post-impeachment interview with journalist David Frost. A tug-and-pull between the two iconic figures ensues where Nixon seeks redemption for the dismal end of his presidency while Frost is determined to root out every painful detail.

Langella explained that Nixon's misguided handling of Watergate "came out of some emotional need to tumble back down the ladder because he was always more comfortable climbing it than being on top of it."

The actor managed to keep the "Bunsen burner" of intensity roiling -- a task which became especially challenging with Director Ron Howard's philosophy of over-shooting. Some scenes stretched across days and up to 40 takes. Genuine passion for the role fueled the actor's stamina.

"It's probably the single best adventure I've ever taken inside of a character's mind. There have been a few others in my life. 'Sherlock Holmes' was one, 'Dracula' was one. I loved going into the world they lived in," said Langella. "But I don't think anyone is going to beat Nixon for the sheer complexity of persona."