Becket (1964, Peter Glenville)

[Gigi M.]

Finally, DVD by MPI slated for May 15. No specs yet.

[tryavna]

Great news, but "finally" is absolutely right. MPI has been pushing back this release every few months for two years now. I'm a little nervous about still having to wait for four months, though. That gives them plenty of time to push it back again.

[tavernier]

It's playing at New York's Film Forum for one week, Jan. 26-Feb. 1, in a new print.

[Gigi M.]

Confirmed for a May 15 release with O'toole's commentary.

[nyasa]

Mark Kermode mentioned it in his weekly film review on BBC Radio 5 yesterday, The mention is at about 40 mins.

Said that he recorded the commentary for Becket with Peter O'Toole a couple of years ago, and that he had no idea when the DVD would be out. Seems we're better informed than he is.

[Gordon]

Wow, great news! This one has been one of the longest in-production DVDs ever. Terrific film with great acting and actually a well-timed release date, seeing that Peter O'Toole recently got his eighth Oscar nomination. Glory be!

[Gigi M.]

$15.99 (36% off) at Amazon.

[jbeall]

I just rented the VHS copy from the local library, and I was VERY impressed. If it's still $15.99, I'm sold.

The acting was phenomenal, simply phenomenal, and I was also impressed with the script. While the direction can be a little "stage-y" at times, it's suitably cinematic. But really! Wow, Burton and O'Toole are great!!!

I did notice one anachronism when Becket remarks that it's ironic that the formerly profligate Thomas Becket has become an archbishop. At this point in time, the definition of irony was pretty limited to the practice of appearing to be weak in order to undermine your opponent's arguement (a la Socrates). The notion of General, or cosmic irony didn't develop until the 16th century, so Becket's statement comes about 400 years too early. Nevertheless, the screenplay is otherwise remarkable.

[tryavna]

I did notice one anachronism when Becket remarks that it's ironic that the formerly profligate Thomas Becket has become an archbishop. At this point in time, the definition of irony was pretty limited to the practice of appearing to be weak in order to undermine your opponent's arguement (a la Socrates). The notion of General, or cosmic irony didn't develop until the 16th century, so Becket's statement comes about 400 years too early. Nevertheless, the screenplay is otherwise remarkable.

Well, for that matter, if the film were being truly accurate from a linguistic point of view, all the characters should be using Middle English.

[jbeall]

I did notice one anachronism when Becket remarks that it's ironic that the formerly profligate Thomas Becket has become an archbishop. At this point in time, the definition of irony was pretty limited to the practice of appearing to be weak in order to undermine your opponent's arguement (a la Socrates). The notion of General, or cosmic irony didn't develop until the 16th century, so Becket's statement comes about 400 years too early. Nevertheless, the screenplay is otherwise remarkable.

Well, for that matter, if the film were being truly accurate from a linguistic point of view, all the characters should be using Middle English.

Yeah, but that would necessitate subtitles, and based on the can of worms I (inadvertently) opened up on the La Haine thread, I don't even wanna go there! #-o

But maybe Mel Gibson can direct the remake...

Anywhoo, I absolutely loved the film. One anachronism does not a lousy screenplay make, and I wasn't trying to knock the film, just point something out.

[jbeall]

Beaver

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Coming to Blu-rayin November.

[ievenlostmycat]

I did notice one anachronism when Becket remarks that it's ironic that the formerly profligate Thomas Becket has become an archbishop. At this point in time, the definition of irony was pretty limited to the practice of appearing to be weak in order to undermine your opponent's arguement (a la Socrates). The notion of General, or cosmic irony didn't develop until the 16th century, so Becket's statement comes about 400 years too early. Nevertheless, the screenplay is otherwise remarkable.

Well, for that matter, if the film were being truly accurate from a linguistic point of view, all the characters should be using Middle English.

Actually, probably French. I think Henry II spoke French.