I'm a big fan of Richard Eyre and have a fascination with this period, so I should have loved this movie. It literally sent me to sleep - I needed to rewind and run about half of it a second time - unimpressive.
Actually the second half was better - in particular the Othello death scene done properly.
Don't believe the tosh some correspondents have written regarding the deep meaning on sexuality - such analysis should not get past sophomore. The restored monarchy wanted to counter the puritanical nature of Parliament years when theatre and most music was prohibited. There is an interesting story to be told about that period in theatrical history but this isn't it.
Some fine acting and some fun acting. Rupert Everett does Charles II in the style of the current Prince Charles to great effect. A lot of Eyre's favourite luvvies get cameos too.
It ought to have worked. It didn't. Move on, Richard Eyre, or better still come back to the theatre which is what you do best.
Actually the second half was better - in particular the Othello death scene done properly.
Don't believe the tosh some correspondents have written regarding the deep meaning on sexuality - such analysis should not get past sophomore. The restored monarchy wanted to counter the puritanical nature of Parliament years when theatre and most music was prohibited. There is an interesting story to be told about that period in theatrical history but this isn't it.
Some fine acting and some fun acting. Rupert Everett does Charles II in the style of the current Prince Charles to great effect. A lot of Eyre's favourite luvvies get cameos too.
It ought to have worked. It didn't. Move on, Richard Eyre, or better still come back to the theatre which is what you do best.