Hitoricity of The Lion in Winter?

[Woodsy]

Rarely do I darken the door of such a left-brain emporium as this, but the Mrs. and I just watched two absolutely wonderful films - Becket and The Lion in Winter, and I was wondering about their historicity.

The performances and scripts are wonderful, but how do they rate as far as representing the actual religious/political/historical issues depicted therein?

Edited to add: the reason I ask is because of the religious issues in Becket, which got me curious as to how accurately they were portrayed; which then of course flowed into The Lion in Winter. I tend to think of the two films almost as one.

 

[Key Of David]

What were these about...I've never heard of them.....hope that's not bad.

 

[Woodsy]

Becket

The Lion in Winter

Amazing scripts and performances by Peter O'Toole (as Henry II in both films), Richard Burton, Katherine Hepburn, and Anthony Hopkins

 

[Key Of David]

Becket

The Lion in Winter

Amazing scripts and performances by Peter O'Toole (as Henry II in both films), Richard Burton, Katherine Hepburn, and Anthony Hopkins

I'm not the biggest fan of old movies but I do watch them if they're good. I'm gonna check these out.

 

[ChrisB]

I've not seen Beckett but The Lion in Winter is outstanding

 

[praying]

Beckett was a truly great great film. wonderful performances. I don't think I have seen the Lion in Winter.

I can not comment on the historical accuracy but as far as entertainment value you can't beat Beckett. I believe the moie is over three hours long and never a dull moment.

 

[Polycarp1]

The characterizations of Henry II, Richard I, and John were on target insofar as what is known of them historically. Katherine Hepburn's Eleanor was one of her great performances, but is not quite the historical Eleanor. Geoffrey's personal character is not well known but the interpretation placed on him accords with what is known.

And the mise en scene is accurate -- Christmas Court was held at that time and place with the Angevin royal family present. And Philip Augustus did pay a royal visit at about that time -- though some artistic license is no doubt taken there. (In particular, his relationship with Richard is a matter of speculation!)

 

[Freodin]

Much of the film is, of course, speculation and artistic licence.

But the main story in both films is historical.

 

[Woodsy]

Thanks for the input, everyone!
I have to say that I think "The Lion in Winter" is a superior film, but they both are excellent - and from a very different Hollywood era.