Apr. 23, 2002 - 5:31 pm
another one from the Best Picture list, which i'm still working fervently to finish off. A Man For All Seasons won Best Picture for 1966, beating out films like Alfie and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. it won 6 Oscars that year including Best Director and Best Writing.
Paul Scofield won Best Actor for his portrayal of Sir Thomas More. it's the story of a man that holds himself to his principles. he's a good man and refuses to let Henry VIII make him deny his beliefs. the king wants a divorce, but More believes it is unjust and refuses to give his blessing despite the fear of execution.
brilliantly done film. it gets a 9/10. see...i do give high ratings sometimes. all of the Oscars are valid in this case. the direction was awesome. very believable acting all around and very gut-wrenching. i think i need to see more of Paul Scofield. he was the centerpiece of both this film and Quiz Show (1994) for me. i also enjoyed seeing an old favorite Leo McKern as Cromwell. he's always a villain of some sort, but you can't help but marvel at his performances. and his glass eye kills me.
i love the fact that there's no excessive comic relief in this film. very little to even mention. also there's no non-diegetic score for the film. only words stand between a man and his death here. the film takes a very solemn look at the material, as is fitting. excellent job all around. see it, love it.