Review of Becket (1964) by Paul P — 23 Nov 2008
Excellent. Perhaps my favorite O'Toole, even considering LoA (Larry of Arabia). You will love how how horribly he talks to his wife, mother, and young son. It is obviously an obsessive unrequited buddy love story, perhaps the best ever of this story line.
A very enjoyable albeit brief performance by Gielguld. Burton is in top form, though without a chance to devour the set as he does in Iguana or Virgina Wolf. I think that's why I consider rating this as my favorite O'Toole, because O'Toole devours two queens (is wife and mum), a prince and king (his poor son, whom he eviscerates as prince, then promotes to king for the purpose of epically humiliating), and then even quite literally himself.
Amazing to watch. There is the occasional production lapse (horse rides against phony backdrops). But especially forgivable considering today's super productions which lack all aspects of real drama.
This review of Becket (1964) was written by Paul P on 23 Nov 2008.
Becket has generally received very positive reviews.
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