What's new

A Man For All Seasons (coming to Blu-ray) (1 Viewer)

Status
Not open for further replies.

RMajidi

Premium
Joined
Feb 8, 2015
Messages
1,549
Location
Australia
Real Name
Ramin
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
 

RMajidi

Premium
Joined
Feb 8, 2015
Messages
1,549
Location
Australia
Real Name
Ramin
bujaki said:
And as a lagniappe, Vanessa Redgrave appears briefly as Anne Boleyn.
And Wendy Hiller, Susannah York, etc., so many rich performances!
Vanessa's brother, Corin Redgrave, also played the role of Son (in-law) Roper.

...and how about John Hurt's astonishing turn as Richard Rich?

It seems that the entire ensemle cast appreciated the rare quality of the script and the importance of the piece as a whole and really rose to extraordinary heights.
 

Paul_Warren

Supporting Actor
Joined
Oct 15, 2002
Messages
518
Location
London, England
Real Name
Paul
Superb movie Robert Shaw & the stellar supporting actors were the real star's here. IMO the oscar for Paul Schofield was not warranted he was chewing scenery most of the time the performance was way too theatrical & stagelike not a true cinematic oscar winning performance.


I know that's an unpopular opinion but compare his performance to Keith Michell's astonishing turn in Henry VIII and His Six Wives!


Anne Of The Thousand Days is also another similar movie & again superb drama as good as it gets actually.


If you want good drama though you should try to buy all 3 of these movies in HD for different reasons they showcase strong acting performances across the board.
 

Dick

Senior HTF Member
Joined
May 22, 1999
Messages
9,906
Real Name
Rick
Paul_Warren said:
Superb movie Robert Shaw & the stellar supporting actors were the real star's here. IMO the oscar for Paul Schofield was not warranted he was chewing scenery most of the time the performance was way too theatrical & stagelike not a true cinematic oscar winning performance.
Did you see the same movie I did? I view Scofield's performance as quiet, dignified, and, if anything, very restrained, which gives his acting tremendous power in this film. He never mugs (unlike a few others in the cast) or begs for sympathy. He is simply playing a man of principle who serenly but firmy opposes a very powerful man because his conscience will not permit otherwise.
 

JohnMor

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2004
Messages
5,157
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Real Name
John Moreland
Dick said:
Did you see the same movie I did? I view Scofield's performance as quiet, dignified, and, if anything, very restrained, which gives his acting tremendous power in this film. He never mugs (unlike a few others in the cast) or begs for sympathy. He is simply playing a man of principle who serenly but firmy opposes a very powerful man because his conscience will not permit otherwise.

I agree. The only scenery chewing I saw in the film came from Shaw, which isn't a bad thing, as Henry VIII was a scenery chewer himself. LOL. Scofield's performance is anything but.
 

Cine_Capsulas

Second Unit
Joined
Apr 12, 2013
Messages
416
Real Name
Patrick
Dick said:
Did you see the same movie I did? I view Scofield's performance as quiet, dignified, and, if anything, very restrained, which gives his acting tremendous power in this film. He never mugs (unlike a few others in the cast) or begs for sympathy. He is simply playing a man of principle who serenly but firmy opposes a very powerful man because his conscience will not permit otherwise.

Couldn't agree more.


I consider Scofield's performance to be a model of restraint and serenity.
 

RMajidi

Premium
Joined
Feb 8, 2015
Messages
1,549
Location
Australia
Real Name
Ramin
Paul_Warren said:
Superb movie Robert Shaw & the stellar supporting actors were the real star's here. IMO the oscar for Paul Schofield was not warranted he was chewing scenery most of the time the performance was way too theatrical & stagelike not a true cinematic oscar winning performance.

I know that's an unpopular opinion but compare his performance to Keith Michell's astonishing turn in Henry VIII and His Six Wives!

Anne Of The Thousand Days is also another similar movie & again superb drama as good as it gets actually.

If you want good drama though you should try to buy all 3 of these movies in HD for different reasons they showcase strong acting performances across the board.
Thanks for posting Paul, but you have me perplexed. Why are you comparing the performance of an actor playing Sir Thomas (Scofield) with that of an actor playing King Henry VIII (Michell)? Did you mean to compare Robert Shaw's performance as Henry VIII vs Michell as Henry VIII instead? Is it possible you mixed up the actor's names in your post?

Edit: ...or was it an April Fool's joke maybe?
 

RMajidi

Premium
Joined
Feb 8, 2015
Messages
1,549
Location
Australia
Real Name
Ramin
I find Wendy Hiller's portrayal of Alice to be pitch perfect. She gets me every time. Alice is uncompromising in her own way. Whereas Sir Thomas' loyalty is to God first, there is little doubt that Alice worships Sir Thomas himself first and foremost. When push comes to shove, she shows that she is very much the stuff of martyrs, but her obedience to her husband's wishes ("command") overrides everything.
A powerhouse performace!
 

Dr Griffin

Senior HTF Member
Joined
May 30, 2012
Messages
2,426
Real Name
Zxpndk
Paul_Warren said:
Superb movie Robert Shaw & the stellar supporting actors were the real star's here. IMO the oscar for Paul Schofield was not warranted he was chewing scenery most of the time the performance was way too theatrical & stagelike not a true cinematic oscar winning performance.


I know that's an unpopular opinion but compare his performance to Keith Michell's astonishing turn in Henry VIII and His Six Wives!


Anne Of The Thousand Days is also another similar movie & again superb drama as good as it gets actually.


If you want good drama though you should try to buy all 3 of these movies in HD for different reasons they showcase strong acting performances across the board.

RMajidi said:
Thanks for posting Paul, but you have me perplexed. Why are you comparing the performance of an actor playing Sir Thomas (Scofield) with that of an actor playing King Henry VIII (Michell)? Did you mean to compare Robert Shaw's performance as Henry VIII vs Michell as Henry VIII instead? Is it possible you mixed up the actor's names in your post?

Edit: ...or was it an April Fool's joke maybe?

An eye opening comparison, that's for sure. Maybe Paul was seeing if we were paying attention. If ever there was a performance that is theatrical or stagelike, it's King Henry VIII - is there any other way to play it?
 

Keith Cobby

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2013
Messages
4,496
Location
Kent "The Garden of England", UK
Real Name
Keith Cobby
The word 'classic' is badly overused and cannot do justice to this remarkable film. It is for me a masterpiece of cinema and the performance of Paul Scofield has never been bettered. You truly believe he is Sir Thomas More and not just an actor for hire. Likely to be the blu-ray of the year for me.
 

Mike Boone

Supporting Actor
Joined
Oct 19, 2014
Messages
906
Location
Norton, Ohio
Real Name
Michael
One thing that should encourage all of us about what quality we are likely to experience with A Man For All Seasons on Blu-ray, is the stellar job Sony has accomplished in creating other Blu-rays of Columbia films from the same era.


One of my personal favorites (saw it in theaters 3 times in 1966-69) The Professionals, like "Man", was first released in 1966, and I was so thrilled to find that RAH hit the nail precisely on the head in identifying its Blu-ray's quality as top notch.


Another terrific job that Sony did with a Columbia film of the same era, is the Blu-ray of 1967's In Cold Blood. In fact, the 2nd time I saw In Cold Blood in a theater, it was half of a double feature, with the other film being The Professionals, when I saw that film for the 3rd time. Have to say that though I'm not one to get into nostalgia very often, I can sure launch into it when thinking about how the movie studios used to team 2 of their hits together, to attract moviegoers who had already seen one, or both of the movies, as well as people, who had heard their friends talk about the films.

I know I'm a little off subject, but it was so cool when Warner Brothers teamed Bonnie and Clyde with Bullitt, and when United Artists re-released From Russia With Love and Thunderball together. Those double bills provided some great occasions to grab a big tub of popcorn, a large coke, and just settle back, and forget your troubles for about 3 and a half, 4 hours, or more.
 

Mike Boone

Supporting Actor
Joined
Oct 19, 2014
Messages
906
Location
Norton, Ohio
Real Name
Michael
RMajidi said:
Thanks for posting Paul, but you have me perplexed. Why are you comparing the performance of an actor playing Sir Thomas (Scofield) with that of an actor playing King Henry VIII (Michell)? Did you mean to compare Robert Shaw's performance as Henry VIII vs Michell as Henry VIII instead? Is it possible you mixed up the actor's names in your post?

Edit: ...or was it an April Fool's joke maybe?

I'll tell you one performance that I did not wish to compare (or even wish to see) to Paul Scofield's as Thomas More, and that was Charlton Heston's performance, playing the same character, in the remake of A Man For All Seasons that was produced for Ted Turner's TNT cable channel. Though I liked Heston as Judah Ben-Hur, and even more, as illiterate cowboy Will Penny, I strongly suspected that Heston's portrayal of More was bound to tend toward being a bombastic one in comparison with what Paul Scofield had created. Maybe my attitude was nothing but simple prejudice, but I feared that following the memory of Scofield as Thomas More, watching Heston playing the role, might be like following a glass of chilled champagne, with a can of warm beer.
 

RMajidi

Premium
Joined
Feb 8, 2015
Messages
1,549
Location
Australia
Real Name
Ramin
Keith Cobby said:
The word 'classic' is badly overused and cannot do justice to this remarkable film. It is for me a masterpiece of cinema and the performance of Paul Scofield has never been bettered. You truly believe he is Sir Thomas More and not just an actor for hire. Likely to be the blu-ray of the year for me.
Completely agreed Keith! In fact I don't know a superlative that comes close to adequately describing this film. I'm not sure if Paul_Warren was having a lend of us all in his assessment of Scofield's performance; I have yet to see a performance its equals.

I studied Robert Bolt's stage play at school, before I first saw the film. I was astonished at how the cast, and most especially Paul Scofield, brought the words so vividly to life. No doubt Fred Zinnemann also deserves enormous credit for drawing out such defining performances from these wonderful actors.

A Movie For All Seasons!
 

RMajidi

Premium
Joined
Feb 8, 2015
Messages
1,549
Location
Australia
Real Name
Ramin
Mike Boone said:
I'll tell you one performance that I did not wish to compare (or even wish to see) to Paul Scofield's as Thomas More, and that was Charlton Heston's performance, playing the same character, in the remake of A Man For All Seasons that was produced for Ted Turner's TNT cable channel. Though I liked Heston as Judah Ben-Hur, and even more, as illiterate cowboy Will Penny, I strongly suspected that Heston's portrayal of More was bound to tend toward being a bombastic one in comparison with what Paul Scofield had created. Maybe my attitude was nothing but simple prejudice, but I feared that following the memory of Scofield as Thomas More, watching Heston playing the role, might be like following a glass of chilled champagne, with a can of warm beer.
Mike, I've not seen the Heston version either, and although I've read that he did a commendable version, I've never bothered to seek it out. "Why go out for a burger when you have steak at home" or so said Paul Newman (about wife Joanne Woodward).

I do like several Charlton Heston performances - my favourite being his supporting role in The Big Country - amazing movie!
 

Mike Boone

Supporting Actor
Joined
Oct 19, 2014
Messages
906
Location
Norton, Ohio
Real Name
Michael
Keith Cobby said:
The word 'classic' is badly overused and cannot do justice to this remarkable film. It is for me a masterpiece of cinema and the performance of Paul Scofield has never been bettered. You truly believe he is Sir Thomas More and not just an actor for hire. Likely to be the blu-ray of the year for me.

Agree with your every word. I just find that Mr Scofield had such a precise, clear, and forthright way of solidly executing each line of Robert Bolt's incisive dialog. I think that listening to the way Mr Scofield delivered many of his lines was just electric, and why I never tire of watching this film. I love that brief speech that Scofield, as More, directs at young Roper, where More says something to the effect that if his future son-in law were to get his way, and the laws were flattened, what would protect them from the winds that would blow then. I'm struck by the way Paul Scofield, as More, was able to make eloquence seem even more powerful and exciting than a character wielding a weapon in an action movie. That's why, although I've found movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark to have substantial replay value, A Man For All Seasons, for me, has a lot more of that quality.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread

Latest Articles

Forum statistics

Threads
356,710
Messages
5,121,108
Members
144,146
Latest member
SaladinNagasawa
Recent bookmarks
0
Top