cjp49 Reviews

The Lion in Winter (2003 TV Movie)

Terrible is an understatement

[1/10 · 2 January 2006]

The original film version starring Katharine Hepburn and Peter O'toole is my favorite film of all time simply because of the two brilliant actors who take the starring roles and the witty dialog that they exchange. This remake was not only sad, it was pathetic. I am glad that it was only a TV release so it will not scar the image of the original with moviegoers.

This version not only had problems, it was a problem. To begin with the script that made the original sparkle was dimmed for this revamp. Evidently it was felt that "dumbing down" was needed in order for new audiences to comprehend the dialog. So instead of the exchange of mighty wits that they first was built on this film presents a battle between idiots who can barely speak. Close attempts to take on the character of Eleanor but fails when compared to Hepburn who seemed to become Eleanor. As for Patrick Stewart, whom I admire as an actor, he was possibly the best part of the film although his part suffered from being brought down to the level of a supposed audience of idiots. As for the actor who played John, words cannot express such disgust for bad acting or unseemly display of stupidity.

The only thing this film had going for it, and I am not sure it was a plus, was that it was slightly more historically sound than the original, but in order to be so I am sure the original play had to be changed in some way.

In the Cool of the Day (1963)

none

[7/10 · 21 December 2005]

I thought the movie was unique if not wonderful, being only ever so slightly cliché in its ending. I could not, however, tell if the style in which the film was shot was meant to be unusual and fresh or if this achieved addition to the film was simply an accident brought on by clumsiness. As for questions concerning the title, I would recommend the book of Genesis (to be found in the Bible for all of those who don't know) where Adam walked with God in The Cool of the Day. I don't have a Bible handy at the moment so I will not quote you can read this for yourself. Fonda reminds me of a young Katharine Hepburn in this film. She seems unsure of herself, probably because this was one of her first major roles, and like the Great Kate, in her very early films, she uses a higher voice than is generally attributed to her in this early film. It is not until a few years later in each career that we hear those majestic deeper voices that command so much respect from audiences.