| RATING: | 80% |
| FORMAT: | DVD |
Scenery-Chewing Good
Rather good film enlivened by sparkling performances from two of the best actors the British Isles ever produced: Richard BURTON & Peter O’TOOLE. Their characters' antagonism informs the whole spectacle and keeps it simmering along nicely until the inevitably-tragic ending. The characterization is striking and vivid; illuminating the theme of honor-among-men with a good deal of humor and subtlety. The irreconcilable differences between the two will defeat one or the other as Thomas à Becket fights successfully with his conscience.
Psychologically, we have here a king without a mother’s affection; the vapid substitute of an insipid wife; and, decidedly-undisciplined children. Becket becomes the only love of Henry II’s life, yet the film wisely eschews overdoing any suggestions of homosexuality on the latter’s part since this is not the main thrust of this particular story.
Becket is shown as less emotionally-distraught than the king, because he has the inner strength his faith provides, and so becomes the conscience of the drama - as Henry becomes its catalyst. The latter’s grip on power is wholly dependent upon the subservience of those around him; including Becket – not upon any love or even respect for “their” king.
The ethnic conflict (between Norman & Saxon) became the class war of today. Yet, this film is somewhat historically inaccurate; while remaining a good story of two friends who eventually turn against each other in the ongoing battle between church and state. Nevertheless, these two characters represent these two not fully-reconcilable interests with great aplomb.
The single basic problem this movie possesses is its length. This does not spring naturally from the writing, but from the shooting style of using long, uninterrupted takes. Each individual scene is exquisite and would be spoiled by any attempts at reduction, but they each take a little too long to get to the point; making the film - as a whole - too long.
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