by Nik Amanovic in London on May 5 2003
A film that has been in the doldrums for the past few years due to budgetary restraints, "To Kill A King" has emerged from production-hell and is to be finally released. The problems surrounding the film have been well documented, with some of its cast and crew reportedly deferring some of their wages just to keep it afloat and even helping to pay the crew when production stopped. Thankfully production did continue, and the end result is a radical costume drama that may not appeal to most but is enjoyable nonetheless.
The film is set in the 17th Century and more specifically the English Civil War. Following the decisive and bloody victory over King Charles‘ army at Naseby (1645) we are introduced to Lord General Thomas Fairfax, the charismatic leader of Parliament‘s triumphant army played by DOUGRAY SCOTT ("MI:2", "Enigma"), and his fiercely loyal deputy and friend Oliver Cromwell portrayed by TIM ROTH ("Reservoir Dogs", "Pulp Fiction"). With the war finished however, both men have differing hopes: Fairfax plans to return home with wife Anne (OLIVIA WILLIAMS of "Sixth Sense" fame) and that the defeated King Charles remain head of a reformed monarchy while Cromwell is determined that the King be tried and executed for crimes against his people. Caught between the love for his pro-Royalist wife, his responsibility towards the country as its leading Parliamentarian General and his friendship to the increasingly dangerous Cromwell, weary Fairfax finds himself between a rock and a hard place.
I found "To Kill A King" an entertaining historical tale examining the timeless qualities of trust, friendship and love while combining the horror of war and Regicide. The sumptuous costume design and magnificent locations such as Hampton Court Palace give the film a stamp of authenticity. Acting was top notch on all fronts with DOUGRAY SCOTT putting in a marvellous performance as Fairfax and RUPERT EVERETT ("My Best Friend‘s Wedding") casting aside his usual typecast image to become the stubborn martyr King Charles. However, the pace is quite slow at times and this will not appeal to those who like their action thick and fast, and like most films based on the past it does tend to alter actual events.
UK Release Date: 16th May 2003
Celebrities Worldwide Rating: 7 out of 10
David Jensen Photography:
https://www.davidjensen.co.uk/
