Cast
View All
David Warner
as King Henry VI
Janet Suzman
as Joan la Pucelle
Peggy Ashcroft
as Queen Margaret
Donald Sinden
as Duke of York
Paul Hardwick
as Duke of Gloucester
Roy Dotrice
as King Edward IV
Ian Holm
as King Richard III
Susan Engel
as Queen Elizabeth
John Normington
as Duke of Bedford
Donald Burton
as Duke of Exeter
Nicholas Selby
as Duke of Winchester
David Waller
as Captain to Talbot
William Squire
as Duke of Suffolk
Brewster Mason
as Duke of Warwick
Stephen Hancock
as Bassett
Crew
Director
- Robin Midgley
- Peter Hall
- John Barton
- Michael Hayes
Writer
- John Barton
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Peter Hall really has worked these four plays together well and building on a really convincing performance from David Warner offers us a grand amalgam of Shakespeare's Henry VI and Richard III plays. There's history, tragedy, and comedy a-plenty as the tale starts amidst the Hundred Years War between England and France. Ostensibly, Henry VI (Warner) was king of both territories but that did little for the unity or stability of either. It is fair to say that the bard made the King into something a little lacking in politics or sharpness and with his increasingly conniving and vengeful wife Margaret of Anjou (Peggy Ashcroft) at his side we follow a story of manipulation, intrigue, betrayal, murder - indeed just about every vice known to humankind - all elements for which the King was ill-equipped to adequately or forcefully deal... Thus the white rose and the white rose vie for the throne creating a marvellously turbulent setting for the remainder of this drama to play out. Yes, it is presented in a very theatrical style with little by way of outdoor photography, but that dimly lit intensity coupled with plenty of tightly close photography delivers the story compellingly pretty much from the start. The abridgement misses little of substance as the scenario unfolds and the assembled ensemble of experienced and versatile RSC thespians delivers the gist of the dialogue passionately throughout. The visual standard of the production was never going to be great - but the quality of the acting delivery and the sheer vibrancy of the whole enterprise makes it a surprisingly easy compendium of human nature and nurture to watch.
Mar 20, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Wars of the Roses examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robin Midgley brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1965, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Wars of the Roses took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 485 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 515 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2370 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1965, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Wars of the Roses shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Metropolitan Opera: Carmen, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Wars of the Roses offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like 12 Angry Men and 1492: Conquest of Paradise explore similar territory, The Wars of the Roses stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 8, 1965
- Runtime: 8h 5m
