i scanned thru all the comments again after seeing the movie tonight, wondering if anyone at all saw the same film i did; the only one i found who had goes by irish23. i watched the film for two reasons: IMDb's stunning reviews, and my own wish to see an earlier henry from o'toole. just a few nights ago i had watched lion in winter.
the comparison was not kind to becket; this film disappoints. after all the sterling reviews posted here i hesitate to swim against the river, but this is a movie that had it all coming out of the gate and missed its mark. i'm not advising anyone to not see it; just be prepared for a more mediocre film than you might have been expecting.
both of these leads are capable of really superb performances, none better, and neither were given leeway in this movie to show that talent. i think maybe the direction is the main problem, but the writing in lion in winter is very superior. where lion in winter just cuts, jars, shakes and amazes you constantly with great dialogue and memorable scenes this movie comes off as jumpy, incomplete, sometimes stilted and occasionally rather histrionic. i am a great fan of both these actors and it is a disappointment to me to say all this. by all means watch it, but do so in fair proximity to lion in winter and see what you think of the comparison. don e.
the comparison was not kind to becket; this film disappoints. after all the sterling reviews posted here i hesitate to swim against the river, but this is a movie that had it all coming out of the gate and missed its mark. i'm not advising anyone to not see it; just be prepared for a more mediocre film than you might have been expecting.
both of these leads are capable of really superb performances, none better, and neither were given leeway in this movie to show that talent. i think maybe the direction is the main problem, but the writing in lion in winter is very superior. where lion in winter just cuts, jars, shakes and amazes you constantly with great dialogue and memorable scenes this movie comes off as jumpy, incomplete, sometimes stilted and occasionally rather histrionic. i am a great fan of both these actors and it is a disappointment to me to say all this. by all means watch it, but do so in fair proximity to lion in winter and see what you think of the comparison. don e.