Even with a major restoration that looks far better on DVD than it did in theatrical revival a decade ago (much to the benefit of cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth), BECKET remains more satisfying as acting showcase than historical drama. But with acting this good, that’s enough. Peter Glenville, who also directed the B’way run, never developed a fluent film technique (only seven films over a decade), with stiff crowd scenes and an odd attachment to two-shots where both leads stare straight ahead dramatically. (Effective used sparingly, here it’s in every other scene.) But the debate on Church vs State authority from Jean Anouilh’s play holds a lot of interest as Peter O’Toole’s robust (often hilarious) Henry II loses the loyalty of close advisor Thomas Becket (Richard Burton, groaning with gravitas) once he’s appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. It’s a breached bromance for the ages (and more than that?; so much talk of love, such heart-palpitations), ending in public breakup; exile; a magnificent horseback reconciliation on the beach; assassination; penance & sainthood. A full and satisfying story arc, slightly undercut if you know that Becket was actually 15 years older than Henry, his roistering days behind him. John Gielgud gets a moment as the wily King of France (on a hideous set), while Martita Hunt & Pamela Brown glower amusingly as Henry’s mother & queen. But the film is all about the two boys, and they’re worth all the bother.
DOUBLE-BILL/LINK: O’Toole had a second helping of Henry II (with Kate Hepburn as Queen) in THE LION IN WINTER/’68. Coarser, even more crowd-pleasing, and with a phenomenal cast of up-and-comers as sons. https://maksquibs.blogspot.com/2008/05/lion-in-winter-1968.html
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