Review of A Man for All Seasons (1966) by Leighton T — 01 Apr 2011

The King's Speech this is not. This is truly inspirational cinema. And not because it is presented in an emotionally manipulative way like the most recent Best Picture winner, but because of the emotions and virtues that lie within the main character, Sir Thomas More, at the center of the film.

Obviously, this film beat out Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (of which Mike Nichols won a sympathy Oscar for The Graduate the next year) simply because it's a film that makes you feel better about yourself, about humanity, and doesn't make you face ugly deep-seated issues. There are no grey areas here. It is cut and dry. Yet, in that, it is a terrific film that challenges you to question whether you could stand for what you believe in even if it meant your life was the sacrifice. Paul Scofield plays Thomas More as the ultimate hero of virtuosity, and his passion for the character is felt in his every single scene. His shining moment, his speech to court, is simply put one of the greatest moments in film because of its simplicity and straightforwardness. It is made purely by him and him only. Fred Zinnemann directs with a steady hand that gives the story life and movement despite it being a play and the costume/color work is terrific. It is hard to put in the rest into words.

This is a movie that I unabashedly and unashamedly love. It has a place in my heart and a corner of my soul and I think that's because I long to be the kind of man Thomas More was. That is the greatest part of this film/play: it inspires you to be a better person in a completely honest way.