White on "Becket"

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Armond White's N.Y. Press review of Becket is more than a little similar to an appraisal I wrote last year....odd. Easily the most single-minded Manhattan- maverick critic (at times almost peculiarly so), White is an absolute must-read because of his occasional grand-slams -- reviews that pinpoint not only the artistic dimension but the agenda of certain films, like when he called Billy Elliott "a balletomane chickenhawk fantasy."

"Ostensibly the story of King Henry II appointing his confident Thomas a' Becket to be Archbishop of Canterbury and then reneging on his bequest -- a decision that historically split England's religious affiliation -- Becket is mostly fascinating as a love story between two men," he writes. "Jean Anoulih's stage play is strengthened by the conflict of worldly affection and spiritual devotion when Becket's born-again allegiance to God takes precedent over his fealty to Henry. This movie version is deeper than anything the makers of Brokeback Mountain could ever conceive -- or admit to.

"Reseeing Becket in light of the recent so-called breakthrough for gay film subjects makes one realize how advanced mainstream filmmaking used to be. Peter O'Toole's Henry and Richard Burton's Becket profess their regard for each other with bold openness and extravagant anguish. Precisely because this affection remains Becket's subtext, it is never treated as a self-congratulatory end in itself. O'Toole and Burton are artistically free to fully vent their characters' emotions."

Director Peter Glenville "subtly encodes this historical epic with sexual intimations: Henry and Becket's tandem escapades, phallic candles, bareback horseriding, etc. But he takes a dry approach to the complications of lost-love and how these legendary leaders deprived themselves -- Becket through an excess of religious fervor, opposing the King's edict out of personal arrogance; Henry through unchecked emotionalism and personal vengeance.

"This psychological depth gives Becket an edge over the other '60s dramas about the Plantagenet rulers (A Man for All Seasons, The Lion in Winter, Anne of the Thousand Days) and puts it close to the sophistication of Lawrence of Arabia and, yes, My Own Private Idaho."

comment #1

Chris Molanphy says ...

Like Charles Taylor (erstwhile Salon critic), Armond White is a terrific writer whose opinions totally can't be trusted, and a total nutter. The fact that he captures 'Becket' well can be attributed to (a) his talent at writing thoughtful prose and (b) the Even A Broken Clock Is Right Two Times A Day phenomenon.

comment #2

dixiedugan says ...

The dvd release date is listed as May 15th 2007. Oh Lord, let it be true...

comment #3

ZacharyTF says ...

I've never seen this movie. Flame away if you must.

Armond White is one of those critics that I honestly wonder if they ever enjoy what they do for a living.

comment #4

p.Vice says ...

Wow, you're right Jeffrey. This is incredibly similar to what your Beckett piece except for the minor difference that it's well-written, by somebody who actually has something interesting to say. Don't let those little details keep you from getting due credit.

comment #5

gruver1 says ...

Wells to p.Vice: White is a better critic than me, yes, and perhaps also a better writer, but there's nothing wrong with my writing. The piece in question is sharply phrased and it all kinda flows.

comment #6

Howlingman says ...

Hey p.Vice, if you don't like Jeff, don't like his writing, don't like his website, why not do him and us all a favour and bugger off? There has to be tons of movie related websites you can Troll away on to your heart's content. Bon Voyage.

comment #7

NYCritic says ...

Maybe the gay thing is there but in the performances of the very macho Burton and O'Toole, that subtext get buried deeper than any pirate's treasure.

comment #8

cobhome says ...

Maybe the gay thing is there but in the performances of the very macho Burton and O'Toole, that subtext get buried deeper than any pirate's treasure.

I saw this film as a teen - and even then I could see that the movie was - in many ways - about Becket spurning Henry -

comment #9

Breedlove says ...

armond white is a talented writer with a lot on his mind, and a true original. having said that, he's not a must-read for me because,in all honesty, i don't know what the hell he's talking about most of the time. i'm not sure if that makes me stupid. i consider myself a somewhat intelligent person. fairly well-read. and i can't put it any more simply: i literally do not understand his reviews. a "balletomane chickenhawk fantasy"? what the fuck does that MEAN? he makes me feel stupid so i don't read him much.

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