This has always been one of my favorite series of plays by Shakespeare.
The opening of this movie gets my back up straight away when they use the archbishop explaining the Salic law and the genealogy surrounding it as comic relief. That exposition is not a comic device.
The scenes with the King are full of gravity in the reading of the play. There is a distinct separation between the scenes with his old followers and the scenes where he is contemplating war. Making the archbishop's speech in the very first scene a comedy routine lessens the impact of his decision.
The best scenes in the film are the ones that are sans Olivier. He didn't have the presence. He came off like a dressed up dandy more than he came off like a warrior king.
It is good but only because the supporting cast carries it.
The best adaptation of these characters is "The Chimes at Midnight". It is the best film Orson Wells made in his career. It beats Citizen Kane on every front. The worst adaptation is the latest awful thing on Netflix.
The best adaptation of these characters is "The Chimes at Midnight". It is the best film Orson Wells made in his career. It beats Citizen Kane on every front. The worst adaptation is the latest awful thing on Netflix.