Why You Should Watch: Becket

[movies_michelle]

Becket (1964) is the story of Henry II (Peter O'Toole) and Thomas a Becket (Richard Burton), and their love story and the personal and political battles between them as the embodiment of Church vs. State. When Henry appoints his friend Thomas as the Lord Chancellor, then maneuvers things for him to become Archbishop of Canterbury with the idea of

Comments

[ixchel55]

It's been quite a few years since I watched Beckett but it was a big kickstarter in my fascination with the Middle Ages when I was in junior high. (I can't even begin to tell you how many books I have on the subject). The periods from the Norman Conquest through the reign of the Plantagenets are my favorites. As for this movie and the relationship of Henry and Thomas (or rather Henry's relationship with Thomas), even before I really became aware of the 'slashy' element of the film I was aware of the singular quality of the feelings Henry held for Thomas.

It was when I first watched Lion in Winter (which I own) that my fascination with the subject veered from knights and kings to the women of the age. You're right, Eleanor of Aquitaine was far from the saintly figure portrayed in Beckett. She was too fascinating for that and she's pretty close to the top of my short list of people from history that I would love to meet.

[movies_michelle]

I had a similar early experience with Becket leading to my interest in the middle ages and the history around there. And you have no idea how many times I re-edited this post just to avoid my rant about Tudor-bias in popular culture, especially TV and film, vs. Plantagenets. (Seriously, though, these guys are fascinating! The whole family/extended group! Why aren't there more movies and TV about them?)

The Lion in Winter post is definitely on its way. I love Eleanor, and yeah, one of my favorite historic figures, but I so adore how Kate plays her, it's not even funny.

[emmarytz]

So I'm guessing I don't need to worry about how your going to write about The Lion In Winter and particularly about Eleanor then . . . I like Beckett but I have no memory of Eleanor even being in it; and I love TLIW. I'm betting we all have the same biographies of Eleanor on our bookshelves . . . em.

[movies_michelle]

You should have no worries. And yes to the biographies, as well. :-)