Becket

Introduction to the movie Becket (1964)

Becket (1964) is a classic and beloved movie, but what is it about? At its heart, Becket is a story of loyalty and friendship. It tells the story of Henry II, the King of England, and his close friend and advisor, Thomas Becket. When Henry appoints Becket to be Archbishop of Canterbury, the two friends find themselves on different sides of a struggle between church and state. The movie follows their relationship as they battle each other, and ultimately, themselves. Its an exploration of friendship and loyalty, and how far we are willing to go in defending our beliefs. Its a story that has stood the test of time, and is still as relevant today as it was when it first hit theaters in 1964.

Overview of the premise of the movie

What is the premise of the movie Becket (1964)? Well, let me tell you.

Set in 12th century England, the movie follows the relationship between King Henry II and his trusted friend, Thomas Becket. The King appoints Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury and soon realizes that his friend is not as loyal to the Crown as he once thought. As tensions between the two men rise, they come to a head when King Henry orders Beckets death, leaving the Archbishop with a difficult choice: remain loyal to the King or become a martyr for what he believes in.

In the end, Becket makes the ultimate sacrifice for his beliefs, thus creating one of the most iconic and powerful stories of loyalty and conviction in cinematic history.

Plot Summary

Becket (1964) is a historical drama based on the true story of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and his relationship with King Henry II. It follows their contentious relationship as Henrys power begins to wane and Beckets religious convictions become his ultimate focus. The film explores themes of faith, loyalty, and the abuse of power, and culminates in a powerful and moving finale. But what is the story of Becket really about? Is it a tale of friendship gone wrong, or of a mans unwavering faith in the face of a powerful foe? Is it a story of redemption or revenge? Whatever the answer, the film is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.

Introduction to the main characters and their relationships

Peter OToole and Richard Burton star in the iconic 1964 film, Becket. OToole plays the role of Henry II, King of England, while Burton plays Thomas Becket, the Kings trusted adviser, friend, and eventual rival. What begins as a strong friendship between the two soon turns sour as Henry attempts to assert his authority, leading to a powerful battle of wills between the two characters. But despite the tension, their relationship is never anything less than complex and intense. In the end, its a story of loyalty, betrayal, ambition, and friendship.

Summary of the events of the movie

Whats it about? you may be asking. Well, Becket (1964) is a historical drama about Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 12th century. It follows his journey from close friend of the English King, Henry II, to his eventual martyrdom at the hands of the Kings knights. Henry II, unable to reconcile with the changes in Beckets loyalties, orders his death, resulting in Beckets eventual sainthood. The movie culminates in a dramatic showdown between the two, leaving audiences to reflect on the consequences of conflicting loyalties.

Critical Reception

Becket (1964) has been widely praised for its historical accuracy, acting, and overall production. But what has been the critical reception of the movie?

Critics have praised Becket for its captivating performances from Peter OToole and Richard Burton, both of whom received Academy Award nominations for their work in the film. The production values have also been lauded, with some noting the beautiful costumes and sets.

Overall, the critical response to Becket has been overwhelmingly positive, with the movie receiving numerous awards and accolades, including four Academy Award nominations. Its clear that Becket stands as a classic of the cinema, one that audiences and critics alike can enjoy and appreciate.

Analysis of the movie’s success

Its no surprise that Becket (1964) was successful upon its initial release – and still remains so today. The movie was critically acclaimed, winning an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and earning 9 other Academy Award nominations. But what made Becket so successful?

The movies gripping plot and impressive performances from its two leads, Richard Burton and Peter OToole, have certainly stood the test of time. But when it was released, the movie was also praised for its authentic depiction of the period. With its elaborate costumes and detailed sets, Becket created an immersive viewing experience that audiences could easily get lost in.

The combination of these elements – along with a powerful story – is what made Becket so successful.

Discussion of the movie’s legacy

The legacy of Becket (1964) is still alive and well today. One need only look to the myriad of awards and nominations it received to understand its lasting impact. What makes the movie so memorable, however, is its timeless story of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. Its a story that resonates with viewers across generations, making it a classic film even more than fifty years after its release. How has the movie stood the test of time? What makes it so beloved to this day? These are questions still worth asking and discussing.

Historical Accuracy

Becket (1964) is set in 12th century England, a time of intense political and religious upheaval. The movie gives us a glimpse into the often tumultuous relationship between King Henry II and Thomas Becket, his chancellor-turned-archbishop of Canterbury. The two were once close friends but eventually clashed over their conflicting views on the power of the Church and the role of the monarchy. The movie is an interesting depiction of the events leading up to their eventual confrontation, as well as the consequences of their political struggle. By focusing on the turbulent relationship between the two men, the movie paints a fascinating picture of the historical context in which it was set.

Discussion of the accuracy of the movie’s depiction of events

But how accurate is the movie Becket (1964) in its depiction of events? Is it a faithful recreation of the actual events that took place during that time, or is it a romanticized version of history?

Well, its important to note that many of the key characters and events depicted in the movie are, in fact, historically accurate. While the movie does portray King Henry as more sympathetic than he may have been in reality, it still captures the essence of the conflict between the two men that was at the heart of the original story.

Ultimately, Becket (1964) is a faithful adaptation of the historical events, though it may be embellished in some places for dramatic effect.

Analysis of the movie’s impact on the public’s understanding of history

The movie Becket (1964) had a profound impact on the publics understanding of history. It presented a complex story of political intrigue and religious conflict, which helped to bring to life the events that took place during the 12th century. The movies success not only raised awareness of the story itself, but also of the historical period in which it was set. It inspired further exploration of the political and religious landscape of the time, and helped to bring history to life for a new generation of viewers. By presenting a nuanced and thought-provoking story, Becket helped to broaden the publics understanding of the past.

Cast and Crew

The iconic movie Becket (1964) was directed by Peter Glenville and written by Edward Anhalt, with a star-studded cast featuring Richard Burton and Peter OToole. Burton stars as King Henry II of England and OToole as his friend-turned-rival, Thomas Becket. The movie also features an impressive supporting cast, including John Gielgud, Donald Wolfit and Martita Hunt.

But what really sets this movie apart is the chemistry between Burton and OToole. Their passionate performances make it one of the most memorable films of its time. And its no wonder that the movie won three Academy Awards.

Overview of the major players

Who were the major players in the movie Becket (1964)? Well, the title role of Thomas Becket was played by the legendary actor Richard Burton, and the role of King Henry II was played by Peter OToole. The movie also featured a stellar cast of supporting actors, including John Gielgud, Donald Wolfit, and Martita Hunt. It was directed by Peter Glenville and adapted from Jean Anouilhs play of the same name. In the movie, we witness the turbulent relationship between King Henry II and his closest confidant, Becket, as they struggle to reconcile their conflicting loyalties.

Summary of their achievements

Peter O’Toole and Richard Burton’s performances as Thomas Becket and King Henry II in the film Becket (1964) are among the finest of their careers. Both actors received Academy Award nominations for their roles, with O’Toole being nominated for Best Actor and Burton for Best Supporting Actor. Burton also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and the film received a total of four Academy Award nominations. The film was a critical success, with some critics citing it as an example of Burton and O’Toole’s best work.

What makes Becket so remarkable is the emotive performances of both actors. O’Toole and Burton’s dynamic chemistry brings the story of Thomas Becket and King Henry II to life in a way that few other films have managed. By the end of the film, their performances have left a lasting impression on viewers and cemented their legacies as two of the greatest actors of their era.

Summary of the article

Becket (1964) is a film based on the play of the same name by Jean Anouilh. The movie follows King Henry II of England and his close friend and advisor Thomas Becket, who is appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. Becket finds himself in an uneasy power struggle with his former friend and king, which ultimately leads to Beckets death. The movie looks at the complex relationship between politics, religion, and power in medieval England, and explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and betrayal. It stars Peter OToole and Richard Burton in the titular roles and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

Discussion of the lasting impact of the movie

When it comes to the lasting impact of Becket (1964), its hard to overstate its importance. It was the first movie to be nominated in all five major Academy Award categories, and its influence can still be seen in films today. It was also one of the first films to tackle the complex themes of religion and politics, a remarkable feat for its time. The films influence on the film industry is undeniable and will be felt for many years to come, but its influence on the audience is perhaps even more profound. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and the role of faith in society, and it left an indelible mark on all who saw it.