Review of Chimes at Midnight (1965) by Steve W — 10 Aug 2008
Orson Welles has long been known for directing one film, and that film is Citizen Kane. If there is any justice in the world, then he should be equally acknowledged for this masterpiece. An adaptation that combines Shakespeare's Richard III, Henry IV parts 1 and 2, Henry V, and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
It focuses on the lovable Falstaff, one of Shakespeare's most endearing creations. Welles plays Falstaff to perfection, he was born to play this character, who is at once jubilant and sadly tragic.
Its a performance and movie for the ages. Too often Shakespeare movies are either too "Shakespeare-y", or not enough". Amazingly, Chimes at Midnight is both pure Welles and Shakespeare, pure cinema and drama.
It is what makes this film so enchantingly powerful. Even the sound problems (caused by the low budget) cannot tarnish the beauty of this film. It is the greatest Shakespeare play that Shakespeare never wrote.
This review of Chimes at Midnight (1965) was written by Steve W on 10 Aug 2008.
Chimes at Midnight has generally received very positive reviews.
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