Crown of Glory, Mud of War: A Review of David Michôd’s “The King”
Release date: 11 October 2019 (USA)
Genre: War/Thriller
Director: David Michôd
Cinematographer: Adam Arkapaw
Budget: $23 million USD
Box office: $126,931 thousand USD
David Michôd’s 2019 film “The King” isn’t your typical royal drama. While it chronicles the rise of Prince Hal to become Henry V of England, it sheds Shakespearean theatricality for a gritty, intimate portrayal of a young man thrust onto the bloody throne. Reviews have been largely positive, with many praising the film’s visual style, raw performances, and thought-provoking take on historical fiction. Let’s delve into why “The King” deserves a prominent place on your watchlist.
From Bard to Battlefield: A Story of Reluctance and Responsibility
The film loosens its grip on historical accuracy, taking inspiration from Shakespeare’s Henriad plays rather than a strict biographical approach. We meet Hal (Timothée Chalamet), a disillusioned prince who finds solace in taverns and the company of his roguish friend Falstaff (Joel Edgerton) rather than courtly affairs. Thrust into the role of King after his ailing father’s (played by a hauntingly good Ben Mendelsohn) death, Hal grapples with the weight of leadership and the brutal realities of war.
Shakespeare may have penned the line, “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,” but in “The King,” we truly feel the weight of that crown on Hal’s shoulders. Chalamet delivers a nuanced performance, capturing the king’s internal struggle between his pacifistic leanings and the ruthless demands of his position. He’s not your typical swashbuckling hero. Here, Henry V is a man burdened by responsibility, haunted by the violence he unleashes, and constantly questioning the legitimacy of his claim to the throne.
Supporting him is a stellar cast. Edgerton brings a gruff charm to Falstaff, a mentor figure torn between loyalty and self-preservation. His portrayal is refreshingly complex, avoiding the caricature often associated with the character. Robert Pattinson shines as the Dauphin of France, a petulant prince who embodies the absurdity of war with his flamboyant armour and childish taunts. He’s a stark contrast to Hal’s brooding introspection, offering a darkly comedic counterpoint.
Filmed in Dim Light and Muddy Fields: A Visual Feast
Michôd’s direction steers clear of romanticised medieval imagery. The film is bathed in a muted colour palette, reflecting the grime and hardship of the era. Gone are the glistening castles and pristine armour of typical historical epics. Instead, “The King” presents a world of mud-caked soldiers, flickering torches, and smoke-filled battlefields. The battle sequences are brutal and visceral, eschewing Hollywood glamour for a more grounded depiction of medieval warfare. The camerawork is intimate, often lingering on the faces of soldiers, capturing the fear and desperation in their eyes. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from the true cost of war, both physically and emotionally. Cinematographer Adam Arkapaw deserves major credit for creating a film that is both beautiful and unflinching.
Beyond the Battlefield: A Film Steeped in Political Intrigue
“The King” isn’t just about battles and bloodshed. It’s also a story of political intrigue and courtly manipulation. We see Hal navigate a web of advisors, each with their own agendas. There’s the calculating Thomas Lancaster (Robert Pattinson’s real-life brother Liam), whose loyalty is always suspect, and the steely Princess Catherine (Lily-Rose Depp), a shrewd negotiator who becomes a confidante and potential love interest for Hal. These characters add layers of complexity to the narrative, reminding us that the fight for power isn’t just waged on the battlefield, but also in the halls of power.
Critical Acclaim, Quiet Box Office
While showered with praise by critics (it holds an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), “The King” had a relatively modest box office showing. Perhaps the film’s unconventional approach and lack of big-budget battles deterred some viewers. However, for those seeking a thoughtful and character-driven historical drama, “The King” is a hidden gem. It might not be the crowd-pleasing epic some might expect, but it offers a refreshingly nuanced take on a familiar story.
A Must-Watch for History Buffs and Film Enthusiasts
“The King” is not your father’s Shakespeare adaptation. It’s a raw, thought-provoking exploration of power, loyalty, and the human cost of war. The film boasts strong performances, stunning visuals, and a story that lingers long after the credits roll. As Winston Churchill once said, “History is written by the victors,” but “The King” dares to look beyond.
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