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Becket
1964
A historical costume drama of the grandest order, "Becket" is the true story of the friendship between King Henry II and Thomas à Becket, a royal courtier and confidant whom Henry appoints as Archbishop of Canterbury. Once proposed for the office, Becket immediately perceives what the King does not: that his job as head of the .. Read more
| Starring | Peter O'Toole, Richard Burton, Donald Wolfit, John Gielgud |
|---|---|
| Director | Peter Glenville |
| Genres | Drama |
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Becket
A historical costume drama of the grandest order, "Becket" is the true story of the friendship between King Henry II and Thomas à Becket, a royal courtier and confidant whom Henry appoints as Archbishop of Canterbury. Once proposed for the office, Becket immediately perceives what the King does not: that his job as head of the Church will inevitably bring him into conflict with the King's interests. Until that point, he had been the King's closest friend and beloved companion, serving him faithfully in all things despite Henry's attitude towards the Church. However, he sees that as Archbishop he will be unable to take so nonchalant an attitude, and so vigorously objects to the plan. The basic theme covering separation of church and state reverberates as it did between King Henry VIII and Thomas More, 400 years later [as famously recounted in "A Man for All Seasons"] and still reverberates today. As Becket takes his duties with the church more seriously, their lifelong friendship is strenuously tested. He finds himself increasingly at odds with the King, setting off a chain of events that will culminate in tragedy.
| Starring | Peter O'Toole, Richard Burton, Donald Wolfit, John Gielgud, Sian Phillips, Pamela Brown |
|---|---|
| Director | Peter Glenville |
| Studio | SECOND SIGHT FILMS LTD. |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 22 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: 14 May 2007 Production year: 1964 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews
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Exhilarating
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Most helpful member's review
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12 out of 18 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Excellent Becket
In an effort to bring to screen the comedy and tragedy of St. Thomas à Becket, director Peter Glenville offers a spectacular portrayal of this timeless story. The wonderful acting and great screenplay (adapted from Jean Anouilh's play) make the 1964 film one for the ages. It is a magnificent achievement of movie-making, proving that a great story can live on.
In the early 12th century, King Henry II, who had invaded parts of France, rules England. The movie is set during a period of rebuilding for France, while bitter animosity continues between Henry and his advisor, Thomas à Becket, a man of Saxon descent with great ambition. The two have been close friends since childhood, but realize their political differences after the king appoints Becket Archbishop of Canterbury.
Peter O'Toole magnificently portrays the morally weak King Henry. Richard Burton plays the perfect foil as Becket, who is down-to-earth with a life centered around his work. These actors are still regarded as two of the greatest ever. Without them, the movie could have been just another B flick.
The realism of the times may be lost to many. The costumes and scenery make the movie feel very authentic to its period.
One of the few drawbacks, its lack of special effects, makes 'Becket' drag in parts. There is not much filmmakers were able do in 1964, but 'Becket' was nominated for 12 Academy Awards.
I urge everyone to rent this movie. I can almost assure you that you will have a great time. -
Most recent members' review
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Brilliant
They do not make films as good as this anymore. Intelligent and based on true events. Burton gets better as he becomes more beatific and O'Toole is on amazing form as King Henry II. Some of his put downs to his wife, mother and son are priceless. 'Sit down you witless baboon' being one of the good ones.
Two great actors delivering the goods and showing how good they could be if the material was up to scratch. -
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