Comwayon
A Disappointing Continuation
Curapedi
I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.
Brooklynn
There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.
martinchorich
This movie showing its age after 800 years. Visually, it's completely static and claustrophobic. The script is densely wordy, yet no one on this thread has identified any quotable lines. In terms of plot and story arc, it plays as if Stanley Kramer did the middle ages, with a lot of anachronistic business about ethnic/class differences, separation of church and state, and the corruptions of power. Despite the set piece tension between the supposedly Saxon Becket and the Norman Richard, it turns out that the real, historical Becket, too was a Norman. Never mind!As for the acting, get ready for some of the most egregious scenery chewing in Hollywood history. Peter O'Toole is particularly guilty of a when-in-doubt-shout performance. When he gazes guiltily up to heavens, he clearly must be thinking of the soul destroying self betrayals required to win an Oscar. I'm sure that's the hidden meaning behind the penance scenes.
Ian
(Flash Review)This film showcases the battle of King vs Church with King Henry II back in the 1100's. Henry is at odds with the church who refuses to contribute to his war fund and he is unsettled by their tax-free status. He has a very loyal friend, Becket, who he strategically appoints as an Archbishop to maneuver his viewpoints inside the church. He had not planned on Becket, who is a very honorable man, to take his new role and title as Archbishop extremely seriously. Thus, he and Becket are at odds as he sides with the Church, rather than his close friend the King. Much of the film are sharp linguistic interactions that are more or less soliloquies as the O'Toole and Burton orate with power. The screenplay writers must have had a great time flexing their muscles as well. Will Henry persuade or outfox Becket to drive his agenda or will his impulsive emotions get the better of him? This film has the feel that it could translate easily onto the stage as dialog, rather than action, drove the story. For those in the mood for acting and dialog, this will meet your needs.
jcnsoflorida
OMG this movie is so LGBT it really should be categorized as gay-themed. Probably the gayest mainstream film of the mid-1960s. And let's not forget, Burton and O'Toole were A-list actors then. True, their characters indulge in wenching (gotta love that word) at the beginning of the film but fasten the leather straps for the unbelievable 180 when Beck becomes Big Churchy Prig like overnight (Beck goes to bat over a sex-abuser priest because churchy authority must trump earthy) and Hen is just CRUSHED.... This is as gay as it gets, dear readers. Probably historically totally inaccurate. And it seems the filmmakers couldn't care less about anyone's approval. All the Catholic stuff (costumes, rituals, etc.) is totally gayicized, (which is not hard to do). A strangely fun movie and screamingly essential for all LGBTs.
Bill Kalenborn
As so many other reviewers have noted, this is one of the finest films ever made. You may note the many long theatrical takes, and the limited cutting that allows you to watch the simultaneous acting of both the speaker and the auditor to the speeches. I see that some reviewers have lamented the shape of the prints that they have seen. I am delighted to report that the DVD is utterly sparkling, claimed on the disc to be better than the new screen version in 1964. Both the leads were nominated for best actor, and either could have won. I assume they split the vote to allow Rex Harrison in. A few have noted that Lawrence Olivier played Becket to Anthony Quinn's Henry. But I haven't noted any who have mentioned that Peter O'Toole was to have played it on the stage, but passed it over for Lawrence of Arabia. Nor have they mentioned that later Olivier and Quinn alternated roles. That would have been bloody marvelous to see.
