Movie : A Man For All Seasons

CB has mentioned the old run down repertory movie house he used to go to (The one with the 100 year old weiner on the spit in the rotating cooker). Well that’s where I caught this film on a double feature. Nothing about the poster, synopsis etc grabbed CB. Not in his wheelhouse but I paid my buck and a half and I was going to get my money’s worth.

Henry the VIII is wanting a divorce so he can marry another woman who can give him a son. Thomas More (member of the council) will not go along with with the Lord Chancellor’s recommendation to get Henry’s marriage annulled by the Vatican. Even when More himself becomes Lord Chancellor he stands firm not to compromise his beliefs. This is the state that story plays out in. People wading through the political, religious and legal issues surrounding Henry wanting a new wife. Political maneuvering and self serving egos.

Politics, religion and law, right in CB’s wheelhouse. Not really. If someone would have told me about this film (like I’m doing here) I would have run the other way. I would have missed a real good movie. There isn’t one weak point in this film. The story engages and is accessible even with all the complicated issues.

Fred Zinnemann directs and uses everything at his disposal to make this great film. Ted Moore is the cinematographer and he gets the right look. Everything is subtle and true in this film. It could of gotten into precious, dry dialogue territory but the actors deliver the words in a natural realistic way (one of the things CB loved). Speaking of the performances, they are natural and truthful. The cast is top notch. Wendy Hiller, Leo McKern, Nigel Davenport, Susannah York, John Hurt, Robert Shaw (it’s good to be the king) and every other actor are involved.

Paul Scofield tops off the film with his performance. I like truthful, commited, real understated work and he is all those and more. He simply gives us a character that draws us into his mindset and his emotional journey. He will not sacrifice his beliefs, integrity and how he interprets the law. His speech near the end is priceless.

Some great scenes. Henry’s entourage is the best bunch of bumbling ass kissers next to the Keystone Cops. There is some subtle humor in the film.

Politis, religion, not subjects CB gravitates to but this movie puts a human touch on it. Plus I always like a good argument and there’s some good ones here. A surprise watch for me. I really like this film.

 

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060665/videoplayer/vi3223959577?ref_=tt_ov_vi