Becket (1964)

Nominee

Well we have another 60's costume drama. And it certainly has costumes and drama. As this screenplay is bellowed by Peter O' Toole we are taken back to the time of King Henry the II where his tumultuous homoerotic friendship with one Thomas Becket unfolds. 

The beginning is full of what I would call medieval "bro" banter, it is full of fast paced witty dialogue; which I must say is on the whole enjoyable. The film then turns from establishing this ill-fated friendship to problematizing it. And as soon as it takes this turn the film is suddenly riddled with repetitive conversations, and one existential crisis after another. Peter O'Toole will continue to bellow but now the only phrases are "I LOVE BECKET!", and "I NEED TO LEARN TO BE ALONE!!!". Where as Richard Burton is busy spiking candles to the ground to excommunicate sinful lords in his new found position of archbishop of Canterbury. 

The shooting is straight forward, although occasionally going in for the emotional close-up, but these shots feel awkward amongst the rest of the film. And although I love watching Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole this is not necessarily their best.

Overall: It is an average film, and very much a product of its time period. Some of the early dialogue is fun, but it fizzles out at the end. It's okay to skip this one.