Becket
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Movie Reviews of Becket
Movie Review: Probably the best movie ever made...
Summary: 5 Stars
This work is Absolute Perfection. Sirs Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole & John Guilgud, for starters. If there was nothing else, that would make this film a treasure of all time. But it is transporting and thrilling to experience these performance geniuses interacting at the peak of their craft.
When I first saw this film in the 60s I was enchanted, and left the theater a woman changed for the better. I was much younger then, and so were the "Sirs." No matter. Watching it again with more experienced and critical eyes, I still thrilled to the calibre of the work, the performances, the beautifully detailed reproduction of the era, the kings, chancellors, armies and ladies, interpersonal manipulation and the subtleties. The soundtrack was lush. The costumes are devine. What details. Of course it won Academy Awards for just about every category! Back when "best" meant best.
Simply put this long-lost film is a treasure beyond compare. I guarantee you at least 2 fabulous hours.
This DVD has the unbelievable addition of archival interviews with Richard Burton, commentary by Peter O'Toole. How I hungered for a personal offering from Sir John Gielgud, but alas...not available. But the added bonuses themselves are priceless.
Buy, rent or steal this DVD. Experience it. You must.
Movie Review: True Drama: Round As An Apple.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a true historical epic, it has everything the viewer could want. Superb acting, suspense, sexcapades, court intrigue,, fine cinematography, a dysfunctional family, pageantry, betrayal, & murder. King Henry the second{Peter O'Toole}, the Norman grandson of William the conqueror is locked in a "church & state battle with his longtime Saxon friend Thomas Becket{Richard Burton}." The turmoil begins after Henry appoints Thomas against his will to the newly vacant position of Archbishop of Canterbury. Soon, a priest is arrested by lord Gilbert for dishonoring a young girl. Becket protests that the church should judge the priest, rather than the state. Meanwhile, the priest is killed trying to escape. Becket excommunicates lord Gilbert, & the battle is set. The egos are absorbed into the church & state quagmire.
I won't reveal anymore of the story, buy it & you will enjoy this period piece. The soul of this tale is the bond of two friends torn apart by their own manipulations & circumstances beyond their control. For me it is a sin against logic that neither Peter O'Toole & Richard Burton ever won the acadamy award. For their performances in this classic alone, the academy should be ashamed!
Movie Review: Becket DVD
Summary: 5 Stars
Now, that the restored version of Becket is out on DVD. I would like to tell you about some of the differences between the DVD in the VHS tape. Basically the VHS tape was done in roadshow format. That means it had an introduction, and an intermission. It also had exit music. These are not included on the DVD. However, the whole movie is still there. With crystal-clear picture, and the colors have been restored. What I thought was a red cape from watching the VHS, is actually bright orange. The movie also includes new credit sequences. If you like medieval history, or henry II, then you should get this movie. As well as its follow-up. The Lion in Winter.
The extras on the DVD Becket, and the commentary by Peter O' Toole, found in the setup options make the disc worth having. All of the extras are great.
And if you enjoyed Becket, and The Lion in Winter with Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn. Then you might also enjoy a book called The Canterbury Papers: A Novel.
Movie Review: One of the best performances I have ever seen
Summary: 5 Stars
It is hard to believe this is the same guy that played the somewhat peculiar Lawrence of Arabia, which is one of my favorite movies. Richard Burton was good in this movie, don't get me wrong, but I was blown away by O'Toole. He is mesmerizing in practically every scene and completely dominates the screen and the movie. I do not own the DVD, I actually saw it on AMC, where I learned that O'Toole was only 32 years old when he filmed this movie...Wow!!
I am not a history buff so I cannot comment on the historical accuracy of this movie, but I can comment and will applaud what I have to say is one of the best performances I have seen. The scenes with O'Toole are somewhat reminiscent of a stage play where pure acting is required...and he delivers an incredibly powerful performance.
The movie is very entertaining, the dialogue is great, and Geilgud's small part is very good. I thought the costumes, scenery and setting were very well done. I was thoroughly pleased with this movie.
I will now be looking for more O'Toole movies in the hopes they are half as good as this one.
Movie Review: One of the greatest movies of all time
Summary: 5 Stars
Both richard Burton and Peter O'Toole give one of the greatest performces ever captured on film. There is the growing tension between friendship and honor, with Becket realizing that the honor of God is greater than the honor of the king. Richard Burton gives a great performance in his transition from a womanizer to a saint. Peter O'Toole is equally convincing as King Henry II who must endure the agnoy of both physical and emotional punishment as he grieves over the loss of his friend and also the smartest man in England. Watch for the great scenery and the historical depiction of the the tesnsions in England between the Normans and the Saxons. There are very good supporting roles of the Saxon aide to Becket and the Henry's queen and her mother, who provide reason for Henry to not want to be with his family. Listen for the great put down of the queen by Henry. It is one of the funniest and best insults of a spouse, and drives home the point of the emptiness that Henry feels in his home life.This movie is a must see. When it first caame out in theaters, I saw it at lest six times.