- Also Known As:
- Unknown
- Year:
- 1966
- Country:
- Predominant Genre:
- Historical
- Director:
- Outstanding Performances:
- Premiss:
- Thomas More stands-up to Henry VIII when the latter rejects the Roman Catholic Church to obtain a divorce.
- Themes:
- Alienation
- Christianity
- Compassion
- Destiny
- Emotional repression
- Empathy
- Friendship
- Humanity
- Identity
- Loneliness
- Loyalty
- Narcissism
- Personal change
- Religion
- Self-expression
- Solipsism
- Totalitarianism
- Similar (in Plot, Theme or Style) to:
- Unknown
- Review Format:
- DVD
Palace Intrigue
A rather too stagey cinematic adaptation of Robert Bolt’s play that does, however, feature a literate script, excellent performances from all concerned and a compelling narrative of that ultimate oxymoron - a political conscience.
As one would expect, the powers that be use any tactic to get their way – no matter that it contradicts previously announced positions. Thus, it becomes clear that the only issue here is not adherence to rational rules nor consistent conduct, but winning power conflicts by hook or by crook, even if such behavior ensnares the ensnarer.
Although the characterization is a little weak because the dialogue tends toward tendentious preachiness, what we have here is a paean to a man of inflexible will who knows - more than anything else - that he must remain true to himself or render himself a nullity.
Copyright © 2014 Frank TALKER. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute this posting in any format; provided mention of the author’s Weblog (Esthetics) is included: E-mail notification requested. All other rights reserved.
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