Twilight Time is releasing 1966 Best Picture - A Man For All Seasons - on Blu-ray for the first time on 12 May.
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/topic/338619-htf-exclusive-twilight-time-mayjune-2015-release-announcements/page-4#entry4225677
While awaiting the release, this thread invites discussion about the movie, its restoration or any other aspect relating to it.
The Academy Award winning screenplay for AMFAS was adapted by Robert Bolt from his own stage play. The script is inspired and inspirational, and is fittingly served by the phenomenal acting of the stellar British cast, plus Orson Welles.
The story revolves around King Henry VIII's wish to annul his marriage in order to marry his mistress. He figures the only way to do this is to proclaim himself head of the church in England. He will brook no opposition and demands the vocal backing of all the leading lights in his kingdom - most especially that of his trusted friend and Lord Chancellor, Sir Thomas More, the one man that finds he is morally unable to comply as his unquestioned loyalty to his king is placed at direct odds with his spiritual beliefs.
It might be useful to look at AMFAS in another light - by comparing it to another Fred Zinnemann all-time classic, High Noon. Consider the following synopsis, which could apply to both films:-
An authority figure, reluctant to take on the burden of a fight that he would much rather avoid altogether, is forced to make a choice between 1) taking the easy way out and 2) staying true to his principles, no matter how high the costs. He understands that taking the easy way out is illusory and that he would never be free of its ongoing ramifications. He takes a principled stand and finds that he is quickly shunned, ridiculed and distanced by everyone - including friends, and even family who can't accept or understand his resolve. He is triumphant - that is, he maintains his integrity.
Sir Thomas never sees himself as the "stuff of martyrs", nor is his faith portrayed as sanctimonious. He simply holds that every person ought to stay true to their conscience, whatever that may be. That is the standard he holds himself to - anything less and he would be hopelessly lost.
Paul Scofield's towering performance rightly earned him the Best Actor Oscar and Fred Zinnemann was named Best Director. The film was also awarded Oscars for Best Cinematography (Ted Moore) and Best Costume Design - aspects that should dazzle on Blu-ray.
www.screenarchives.com
www.facebook.com/twilighttimemovies
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/topic/338619-htf-exclusive-twilight-time-mayjune-2015-release-announcements/page-4#entry4225677
While awaiting the release, this thread invites discussion about the movie, its restoration or any other aspect relating to it.
The Academy Award winning screenplay for AMFAS was adapted by Robert Bolt from his own stage play. The script is inspired and inspirational, and is fittingly served by the phenomenal acting of the stellar British cast, plus Orson Welles.
The story revolves around King Henry VIII's wish to annul his marriage in order to marry his mistress. He figures the only way to do this is to proclaim himself head of the church in England. He will brook no opposition and demands the vocal backing of all the leading lights in his kingdom - most especially that of his trusted friend and Lord Chancellor, Sir Thomas More, the one man that finds he is morally unable to comply as his unquestioned loyalty to his king is placed at direct odds with his spiritual beliefs.
It might be useful to look at AMFAS in another light - by comparing it to another Fred Zinnemann all-time classic, High Noon. Consider the following synopsis, which could apply to both films:-
An authority figure, reluctant to take on the burden of a fight that he would much rather avoid altogether, is forced to make a choice between 1) taking the easy way out and 2) staying true to his principles, no matter how high the costs. He understands that taking the easy way out is illusory and that he would never be free of its ongoing ramifications. He takes a principled stand and finds that he is quickly shunned, ridiculed and distanced by everyone - including friends, and even family who can't accept or understand his resolve. He is triumphant - that is, he maintains his integrity.
Sir Thomas never sees himself as the "stuff of martyrs", nor is his faith portrayed as sanctimonious. He simply holds that every person ought to stay true to their conscience, whatever that may be. That is the standard he holds himself to - anything less and he would be hopelessly lost.
Paul Scofield's towering performance rightly earned him the Best Actor Oscar and Fred Zinnemann was named Best Director. The film was also awarded Oscars for Best Cinematography (Ted Moore) and Best Costume Design - aspects that should dazzle on Blu-ray.
www.screenarchives.com
www.facebook.com/twilighttimemovies