An historical pseudo-comedy... worth renting for a view!
Added 1/31/2010
I am in no way an enthusiast of either contemporary movies or of comedy films in general but the very idea of this offbeat 1994 presentation appealed to me enough that I bought a copy. (So what I'm really saying is that for those who do like more contemporary works, this flick might easily rate five stars for them.) Perhaps I'll watch it again but I can honestly avow that I did moderately enjoy my first viewing.
The real George III (George William Frederick, 1738-1820) King of England and Ireland, was in fact mad as a Hatter. This affliction was likely brought on as a result of an hereditary blood disease known as porphyria. He was the King who lost the Western Colonies to the American revolutionaries. What the film does NOT allude to is the sorrowful later period of George III's life... and I will leave the topic there to avoid revealing any spoilers.
THE STORY (the film): The Prince of Wales (George III's eldest son) wants to be King, or at least Regent which was pretty much the same thing in terms of personal and political power. He sees his chance to seize ruling authority as his father's public behavior becomes more and more ostentatious and absurd. The film exploits King George's madness by portraying his bawdy antics as humorous events, (at least from the viewer's perspective.) In any case, King George's supporters in Parliament hurriedly find him a doctor of sorts and from that point a desperate race ensues to "cure" his insanity so that he won't be unseated by his mendacious buffoon of a son.
As I mentioned, Hollywood chose to exploit George's insanity for the sole purpose of entertainment, (which of course equates to dollars.) Similar film schemes have been effected on other unfortunate historic souls such as the movie about the badly-demented Howard Hughes, Melvin and Howard (1980). Some thoughtful film mogul later produced a more dramatic and respectful film about the eccentric millionaire: The Aviator (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition) (2004.) Actually both movies were quite well-done, even if the earlier one might now be viewed by some as politically incorrect. The fact is I don't care a whit about such modern-day cultural trends and I think that the average person is in league with me on that point.
But, getting back to the film under review, it runs for one hour, fifty minutes, is presented in enhanced widescreen, with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 (16:9) -- so, unlike the letterbox format, it completely fills up the viewing area of a widescreen television.
The cinematography of this film is outstanding and the acting is nothing short of superb as are the captivating set locations. If this movie were instead a book it would be a page-turner -- it never drags in the slightest. And as always, Helen Mirren (as Queen Charlotte, George's wife) who seems to pop up in every first-quality film involving the British Royals (such as: The Queen) bequeaths us with yet another outstanding performance. Veteran actor Nigel Hawthorne is equally convincing as the irreverent lunatic King. I should additionally mention that if you are a fan of either Handel's Handel: Water Music or his Handel - Royal Fireworks Music · Concerto Grosso "Alexander's Feast" · Overtures / The English Concert · Pinnock, then you're in for a pleasant (and sometimes humorous) experience.
What more can I say? This movie involves some drama and mostly comedy. I don't really need this DVD in my collection (which chiefly consists of old jungle and western serials, 70s mini-series, and black-and-white era mysteries and horrors flicks) so I actually should have rented it instead; however, this DVD can be bought so cheaply at this point that a purchase might end up being the better deal. To save shipping and handling costs (typically four bucks) I would recommend checking at your local video rental outlet where used DVDs are routinely sold, typically in great condition.
Recommended.
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Marvelous Movie!
Added 1/25/2010
This brilliant movie details King George III's descent into madness (most likely due to porphyria, a condition that induces periodic mad spells) and his son Prince George's scheming to take advantage of it and place himself on his father's throne as Regent (acting king). The details are absolutely pitch perfect, from costuming to mannerisms to courtly behavior. The acting is top notch: Nigel Hawthorne and Helen Mirren both garnered Best Actor/Actress nominations in the Oscars; Helen Mirren won Best Actress at Cannes; the film itself won several other awards as well.
My sole caveat - and it is very minor - is that this film ends after one of the prince's failed attempts to have his father declared incompetent, and neglects to note that his next attempt was indeed successful, and Prince George was named Regent. However, that does not in any way detract from the excellence of this movie.
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madness of king george
Added 10/17/2009
the region index for australia is R4 and all other regions are not compatable. we can however view the dvd on a computer but not on a wide screen t.v. which is a bit disconcerting. this is the second time we have tried for this dvd - the first time we returned it and received a refund and am still deciding what to do with the second as we have been trying for years to get it.
regards
maurice phillips
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George III: A King Who Wrestles with Sanity
Added 9/26/2009
Some years ago I journeyed to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) to see the British import "The Madness of George III." The play was superb. This movie adaptation (1994) is excellent, and it releases the play into the broader world showing the royal panoply and vivid British scenes of Parliament and palaces. As in the play first produced in 1991, it stars Nigel Hawthorne as the witty, strong-willed, but for a time batty sovereign. Alan Bennett wrote the brilliant play and adapted it for the screen.
At that point in history, no one knew why the king had gone off his rocker, but his urine had turned blue. Experts now think it was porphyria, an inherited disorder. George III had a long rule from 1760 to 1814. He was not an absolute ruler as was obvious in the movie when we see him maneuvering with William Pitt, the prime minister. It was George III who lost the American colonies, and he could never really forgive them for their impudence.
His worthless wastrel of a son, the Prince of Wales, was dissolute and extravagant and portrayed in the movie by Rupert Everett as a foppish glutton and twit. The future George IV was frothing at the bit hoping that Parliament would name him Regent over his dotty daddy. The movie gives an absorbing look at the pageantry of a royal household, its opulence and intrigues. In one sense it's an historical costume drama, but it is far too entertaining and emotionally charged to stay in that category.
This a very human drama in which we see a real human being suffering from bouts of madness. He is treated as a menial mental patient by his three servants who put him in a straitjacket to restrain him. The king and his queen (Helen Mirren) are a loving couple who address each other as Mr. King or Mrs. King. The court can tell when George is going off on a tangent when he start uttering "What! What!" There's one hilarious scene when the daffy king has entertainers at a court presentation begin again their performance.
Nigel Hawthorne is masterful as the king who gradually comes back to sanity by the intervention of a clever doctor-veterinarian whose tough-minded therapy program works. It's fast paced, enjoyable and extremely illuminating.
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Well done movie about an intriguing historical theme...
Added 3/30/2009
This movie is a superb historical attempt to portray the Madness of King George III of England. It takes place shortly after the American Revolution, and combines a couple incidents in King George's life into a condensed time period. Although not 100% historically accurate, it is superbly done. Great acting, cast and sets. Nice movie for those interested in the time period or historically themed movies.
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An historical pseudo-comedy... worth renting for a view!
Added 1/31/2010
I am in no way an enthusiast of either contemporary movies or of comedy films in general but the very idea of this offbeat 1994 presentation appealed to me enough that I bought a copy. (So what I'm really saying is that for those who do like more contemporary works, this flick might easily rate five stars for them.) Perhaps I'll watch it again but I can honestly avow that I did moderately enjoy my first viewing.
The real George III (George William Frederick, 1738-1820) King of England and Ireland, was in fact mad as a Hatter. This affliction was likely brought on as a result of an hereditary blood disease known as porphyria. He was the King who lost the Western Colonies to the American revolutionaries. What the film does NOT allude to is the sorrowful later period of George III's life... and I will leave the topic there to avoid revealing any spoilers.
THE STORY (the film): The Prince of Wales (George III's eldest son) wants to be King, or at least Regent which was pretty much the same thing in terms of personal and political power. He sees his chance to seize ruling authority as his father's public behavior becomes more and more ostentatious and absurd. The film exploits King George's madness by portraying his bawdy antics as humorous events, (at least from the viewer's perspective.) In any case, King George's supporters in Parliament hurriedly find him a doctor of sorts and from that point a desperate race ensues to "cure" his insanity so that he won't be unseated by his mendacious buffoon of a son.
As I mentioned, Hollywood chose to exploit George's insanity for the sole purpose of entertainment, (which of course equates to dollars.) Similar film schemes have been effected on other unfortunate historic souls such as the movie about the badly-demented Howard Hughes, Melvin and Howard (1980). Some thoughtful film mogul later produced a more dramatic and respectful film about the eccentric millionaire: The Aviator (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition) (2004.) Actually both movies were quite well-done, even if the earlier one might now be viewed by some as politically incorrect. The fact is I don't care a whit about such modern-day cultural trends and I think that the average person is in league with me on that point.
But, getting back to the film under review, it runs for one hour, fifty minutes, is presented in enhanced widescreen, with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 (16:9) -- so, unlike the letterbox format, it completely fills up the viewing area of a widescreen television.
The cinematography of this film is outstanding and the acting is nothing short of superb as are the captivating set locations. If this movie were instead a book it would be a page-turner -- it never drags in the slightest. And as always, Helen Mirren (as Queen Charlotte, George's wife) who seems to pop up in every first-quality film involving the British Royals (such as: The Queen) bequeaths us with yet another outstanding performance. Veteran actor Nigel Hawthorne is equally convincing as the irreverent lunatic King. I should additionally mention that if you are a fan of either Handel's Handel: Water Music or his Handel - Royal Fireworks Music · Concerto Grosso "Alexander's Feast" · Overtures / The English Concert · Pinnock, then you're in for a pleasant (and sometimes humorous) experience.
What more can I say? This movie involves some drama and mostly comedy. I don't really need this DVD in my collection (which chiefly consists of old jungle and western serials, 70s mini-series, and black-and-white era mysteries and horrors flicks) so I actually should have rented it instead; however, this DVD can be bought so cheaply at this point that a purchase might end up being the better deal. To save shipping and handling costs (typically four bucks) I would recommend checking at your local video rental outlet where used DVDs are routinely sold, typically in great condition.
Recommended.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Marvelous Movie!
Added 1/25/2010
This brilliant movie details King George III's descent into madness (most likely due to porphyria, a condition that induces periodic mad spells) and his son Prince George's scheming to take advantage of it and place himself on his father's throne as Regent (acting king). The details are absolutely pitch perfect, from costuming to mannerisms to courtly behavior. The acting is top notch: Nigel Hawthorne and Helen Mirren both garnered Best Actor/Actress nominations in the Oscars; Helen Mirren won Best Actress at Cannes; the film itself won several other awards as well.
My sole caveat - and it is very minor - is that this film ends after one of the prince's failed attempts to have his father declared incompetent, and neglects to note that his next attempt was indeed successful, and Prince George was named Regent. However, that does not in any way detract from the excellence of this movie.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
madness of king george
Added 10/17/2009
the region index for australia is R4 and all other regions are not compatable. we can however view the dvd on a computer but not on a wide screen t.v. which is a bit disconcerting. this is the second time we have tried for this dvd - the first time we returned it and received a refund and am still deciding what to do with the second as we have been trying for years to get it.
regards
maurice phillips
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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