Movie of the Week – The Lion in Winter

This week’s movie: The Lion in Winter (1968).

The year is 1183 AD – King Henry II is getting on in years and must decide which of his three sons will inherit his throne. The problem is, however, that they are all despicable and will each most likely turn on him as soon as they have the power. But, a decision needs to be made. The family joins together for Christmas, as Henry prepares to make his announcement, each plotting and scheming to gain the upper hand.

The film is helmed by stage-director Anthony Harvey, which is very fitting as it is an adaptation of James Goldman’s play (Goldman also wrote the screenplay for which he won an Oscar). Fresh off the grand success of his musical work on the James Bond films of the 1960s, composer John Barry provided The Lion in Winter with a fantastic score (winning an Oscar). Brilliant cinematographer Douglas Slocombe (who would go in to shoot the Indiana Jones films) and art director Peter Murton also worked on the film.

Peter O’Toole and Katharine Hepburn star as Henry and Eleanor, each giving one of their career best performances (and each receiving Oscar nominations, though only Hepburn came away with the win). Anthony Hopkins, John Castle, Nigel Terry, Timothy Dalton, and Jane Merrow are all strong in support.

The Lion in Winter is one of the great ‘actor’ films in cinema history. Harvey just lets the performances dictate the production – and they are masterful and powerful performances. The film Becket (which also features O’Toole as King Henry II, though earlier in history) is a wonderful companion piece. This is an absolute must-see for fans of O’Toole and Hepburn, as well as the craft of acting.

Trailer: Here

Available on: DVD and Streaming

Movie of the Week – Becket

This week’s movie: Becket (1964).

King Henry II of England’s greatest friend and confident is Thomas Becket. However, that all changes when Henry makes Becket the Archbishop of Canterbury – Thomas finding a higher calling to God than even his loyalty to his King – and the two great friends become bitter enemies.

Talented stage director Peter Glenville directs this film based on Jean Anouilh’s play. Edward Anhalt  won an Oscar for his screenplay adapting the play. Laurence Rosenthal’s score is probably the best of his career (and it is one of his first for a major motion picture). Brilliant cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth’s photography is also very good. Production designer John Bryan’s period sets are good as well, though they have a minimalist quality to them (which makes the look of the film feel like a stage play).

The greatest attribute of the film is its dynamite leading performances from Richard Burton (as Becket) and Peter O’Toole (as King Henry II) – both were nominated for Oscars, but neither won (which is surprising – though to be fair, Rex Harrison, who did win, was good in My Fair Lady, and in retrospect it is criminal that Peter Sellers did not win for Dr. Strangelove). John Gielgud is good in support as King Louis VII of France.

Again, Burton and O’Toole are fantastic in the film, and fans of either (or both) actors definitely need to see this film – and really, fans of strong performances in general should seek it out. It is also a great companion piece to The Lion in Winter, which is about King Henry II’s later years (and again stars O’Toole who is at his very best opposite Katharine Hepburn). Becket was nominated for twelve Oscars including Best Picture but only won one (1964 was a great year for cinema).

Trailer: Here

Available on: Blu-ray and Streaming

Movie of the Week - Lawrence of Arabia

This week’s movie is Lawrence of Arabia (1962).

The epic adventure is about T.E. Lawrence, a brilliant, flamboyant and controversial British military figure – taking place during his time in Arabia, WWI. The film is directed by extraordinary British filmmaker (and one of my favorites) David Lean. He had a phenomenal cast and crew on the film with iconic work from composer Maurice Jarre, cinematographer Freddie Young (almost impossible to name a better shot film) and production designer John Box. It stars Peter O’Toole (one of the great actors of all-time in his first major role) who is spellbinding and charismatic, with fantastic supporting performances from Alec Guinness (Ben Kenobi), Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, Jack Hawkins, Claude Rains, and Arthur Kennedy. What makes the film great is really every aspect of it – it is stunningly beautiful, features excellently played scenes (really just very strong performances throughout), a classic score, and an unrivaled artistic flare. There is nothing more I need say than: if you are a film fan, you need to see this film. Check out the trailer.

Available on DVD and to Rent

Movie of the Week - How to Steal a Million

This week’s movie is How to Steal a Million (1966).

The film is a romantic comedy about a woman who must steal a forged statue from a highly guarded Paris museum, and the man who helps her. What makes this movie so great is its credits: directed by William Wyler, music by John Williams, cinematography by Charles Lang, and best of all starring Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole. The film does play a bit old-fashion, but it is quite charming and a lot of fun. It is the only film in which O’Toole and Hepburn star together, and thus is a must see for fans of either. Like Charade, the film is set in Paris, and there are many recognizable sites and locations (including one of my personal favorites place Vendome). The film stars: Audrey Hepburn, Peter O’Toole, Eli Wallach, Hugh Briffith, Charles Boyer, and Jacques Marin.

How to Steal a Million [DVD]