On B List of Movie Reviews
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Becket (1964)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
2/08, 1/22
2/08:
I want to say that Becket is an outstanding film, but it's not.
For starters, the costumes and the interior sets are nicely designed. Peter O'Toole gives his best but isn't as grand as
he was in Lawrence of Arabia. Now on to Richard Burton. Mind you, he was a fine actor and could play any character,
but I feel this one was too much for him to undertake. In short, Richard Burton looks overwhelmed by trying to
match Peter O'Toole ability for ability. That's when the film stopped working due to their weak chemistry.
On the other hand, I'm impressed with the screenplay. It's a refreshing change, and that's what acting is
all about. But the problem remains: it's still acting. What I want to see is a natural, smooth delivery of the lines. Hence,
Becket has failed me in this department.
All in all, Becket isn't boring, but the chemistry between the lead actors is lacking.
1/22:
You got to love Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton having meaty roles in the same film, and this time, it's Becket.
It received stupendous twelve Oscar nominations. Talk about an overkill because the movie is not outstanding by any means. It's
just decent which is about an obscure period in England's history that happened well...900 years ago. The biggest
WTF when it comes to historical accuracy is labeling Thomas Becket a Saxon when he was actually a Norman.
The only Oscar winner is Edward Anhalt for his screenplay adaptation which is thoroughly deserving. If not for his lines, Peter
O'Toole would've never been on another planet. As incredible as his performance is, it's hard to believe that he never won
an Oscar in his lifetime. On the other hand, Richard Burton is oddly reserved throughout. He's fine for the most part
but is more effective when he's allowed to shout from time to time.
Yet the scenes with Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole are what moves Becket. When it's either with others, the
pace slows down because nobody, save for an actor, can match their power. The one who did is John Gielgud, and hence, he
was awarded an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
All in all, Becket should be seen for the sake of Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton because of their effortless
dominance in every scene.