THE LION IN WINTER (1968) *** Ah, it ain't easy being anyone. And too often our talents sublimate themselves into making it harder than it has to. Look at these people! Just look at them!! Unbelievable. Which is probably a fair enough response to a piece of fiction, albeit historical fiction. James Goldman's play is full of great, insightful lines into the human psyche and its ripple effect on everything around it, which is everything I guess. No one delivers them more brilliantly, or with more range and fangs and humour and affect, than Katherine Hepburn, though Peter O'Toole doesn't exactly get blown out of the water. Their scenes share and spread a strange and random dynamic, a form of entropy that is all that could have possibly been foreseen from the union. Maybe that's part of what makes it all feel so pointless. In a way, though, Jane Merrow is the most credible character. Not because her performance is brilliant, it's not-it's certainly least among the principals but she's the one who actually feels most like the character portrayed. Yeah Katherine and Peter are great, and Anthony Hopkins too, and Timothy Dalton has more than a few elevated moments (as the King of France!? How come this guy couldn't even be a lousy James Bond then?).but they're all admirable more for outstanding acting skills than for assuming a carcass and breathing heart and soul into it. Jane Merrow is that carcass, and you feel the things for it that you're supposed to feel. This must be a terribly confusing review for people who find truth and solace in Vanity Fair.
back to Brilliant Observations on 2120 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your exciting new terrorist novel!
I've already read both of your novels. Thank you, they're amazing. Now I want to check out your weekly blog on everything