A Man for All Seasons

Astounding dialogue, cinematography and performances, especially that of Paul Scofield - leaves us with the story of Thomas More to absorb and ultimately determine our own perspective of what we've experienced. To this day, a far from uncommon tale of religious dogma resulting in the most severe of consequences, on this occasion however, the way More chose to exercise his position is the way he draws our empathy - regardless of our agnosticity, Joan of Arc has the same effect. Perhaps, in modern times, it is that unshakable belief we have trouble coming to terms with, especially if, as a result, it concludes with the ultimate sacrifice.

Fred Zinnemann (High Noon) directs this fine adaptation of the play by Robert Bolt (Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago), who also penned the script. The plot follows the conflict between Sir Thomas More and Henry VIII over the king's marriage to Anne Boleyn which led to the English Reformation. Paul Scofield elevates the movie with one of the great performances of the Sixties, playing More with dignity, intelligence, humour and vulnerability. To appreciate how great Scofield is, compare him to Charlton Heston as More in the 1988 version. While Heston's performance isn't bad (just like the remake), it lacks the nuance and subtlety of Scofield's. Also featuring Robert Shaw as Henry VIII, Leo McKern as Cromwell, Nigel Davenport as the Duke of Norfolk, a young John Hurt (in his first major role) as a social climber and a memorable cameo by Orson Welles as bitter, bleary-eyed Cardinal Wolsey. 8/10