Review of Becket (1964) by Nikolai E — 01 Dec 2009

Both this and 'The Lion in Winter' began as Broadway plays, are separated by a mere four years, and feature Peter O'Toole in the same historical role, so the two films seem to beg a comparison.

Unfortunately, where 'Lion' is jaunty and enthralling, 'Becket' seems dry, plodding, and often browbeating. The main characters are played with an illusion of depth by two fine actors, but the script has no compunction about flatly labeling one of these men the good guy and the other bad.

I don't know if it's the script, the direction, or the lack of an additional four years' experience, but O'Toole's performance seems listless, and nothing like his fascinating turn in 'Lion.

' It's even more dismaying when you learn that the film's key assertion that Becket was a Saxon isn't even historically accurate, robbing the film somewhat of its plausible status as a window into the distant past.

My advice would be to watch 'Lion in Winter' second so as not to diminish this film's modest achievements.