The King (2019) – A Brooding Epic of Power, War, and Legacy
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Historical Drama, War, Shakespearean Adaptation
Director: David Michôd
Writers: David Michôd, Joel Edgerton
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Robert Pattinson, Ben Mendelsohn, Lily-Rose Depp, Sean Harris
Streaming: Available on Netflix
Introduction
David Michôd’s The King (2019) is a somber, atmospheric reimagining of Shakespeare’s Henriad plays, focusing on the transformation of Prince Hal into King Henry V. With a screenplay co-written by Michôd and Joel Edgerton, the film strips away the Bard’s poetic language to present a grounded tale of power, responsibility, and the burdens of leadership. Timothée Chalamet leads an ensemble cast, delivering a nuanced performance that anchors this introspective historical drama.
Plot Overview
Set in early 15th-century England, The King follows Prince Hal (Timothée Chalamet), a wayward heir who shuns royal duties in favor of a hedonistic lifestyle. Following the deaths of his father, King Henry IV (Ben Mendelsohn), and his younger brother, Hal reluctantly ascends the throne as King Henry V. Thrust into a world of political intrigue and looming war, Henry must navigate treacherous court politics, confront rebellious nobles, and lead his nation into the pivotal Battle of Agincourt against France. The film chronicles his evolution from a reluctant prince to a resolute monarch.
Performances
Timothée Chalamet delivers a compelling portrayal of Henry V, capturing the character’s internal conflict and gradual maturation. His performance balances youthful vulnerability with emerging authority, offering a fresh take on the iconic monarch.
Joel Edgerton, who also co-wrote the screenplay, shines as Sir John Falstaff, reimagined here as a seasoned warrior and Henry’s trusted confidant. Edgerton’s Falstaff provides both levity and gravitas, serving as a moral compass for the young king.
Robert Pattinson’s turn as the Dauphin of France is a standout, infusing the role with flamboyance and menace. His exaggerated French accent and theatrical demeanor offer a stark contrast to Chalamet’s restrained performance, adding a layer of tension to their on-screen rivalry.
Supporting performances from Ben Mendelsohn as the ailing Henry IV, Lily-Rose Depp as Catherine of Valois, and Sean Harris as the scheming advisor William add depth to the narrative, each contributing to the film’s exploration of power and loyalty.
Direction and Cinematography
David Michôd’s direction emphasizes the film’s somber tone, employing a muted color palette and deliberate pacing to reflect the gravity of Henry’s journey. The cinematography by Adam Arkapaw captures the bleakness of medieval England, with expansive landscapes and intimate close-ups that underscore the isolation of leadership.
The Battle of Agincourt is a highlight, depicted with gritty realism and strategic choreography. The sequence eschews glorification, instead presenting the chaos and brutality of warfare, aligning with the film’s overarching themes of the cost of power.
Writing and Adaptation
Michôd and Edgerton’s screenplay takes creative liberties with Shakespeare’s source material, opting for a more grounded and accessible narrative. The film omits the original plays’ poetic dialogue, favoring contemporary language to enhance realism. This approach, while making the story more approachable, sacrifices some of the psychological complexity found in Shakespeare’s works.
The reimagining of Falstaff as a battle-hardened mentor, rather than the comedic figure of the plays, exemplifies the film’s departure from traditional interpretations. This choice adds emotional weight to Henry’s decisions and underscores the themes of loyalty and sacrifice.
Themes and Analysis
The King delves into themes of power, identity, and the burdens of leadership. Henry’s transformation from a disinterested prince to a decisive ruler illustrates the complexities of assuming authority and the moral compromises it entails.
The film also explores the manipulation inherent in politics, as Henry grapples with advisors who may not have his best interests at heart. This aspect highlights the isolation of kingship and the difficulty of discerning truth amidst conflicting counsel.
Furthermore, the narrative examines the human cost of war, portraying battles not as glorious endeavors but as harrowing experiences that leave lasting scars. This perspective challenges romanticized notions of medieval warfare, offering a more sobering reflection on historical conflicts.
Critical Reception
The King received generally favorable reviews, holding a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 62 on Metacritic. Critics praised the film’s performances, particularly Chalamet’s portrayal of Henry V, and its atmospheric cinematography. However, some noted that the film’s pacing and deviation from Shakespeare’s original works might not appeal to all viewers.
Roger Ebert’s review commended Chalamet’s ability to convey both youthful uncertainty and emerging authority, stating that he “manages to pull off something youthful and mature in equal measure.”
Conversely, The Guardian critiqued the film for lacking the psychological depth of Shakespeare’s plays and questioned the reinterpretation of Falstaff’s character.
Conclusion
The King stands as a visually arresting and introspective historical drama that reimagines Shakespeare’s Henriad for a contemporary audience. While it may not satisfy purists seeking a faithful adaptation, the film offers a compelling exploration of leadership, morality, and the personal cost of power. Anchored by Timothée Chalamet’s nuanced performance and supported by a strong ensemble cast, The King is a noteworthy addition to the canon of historical cinema.
0 Comments