The Chimes at Midnight (1965)

 

               “Chimes at Midnight” was a labor of love by Orson Welles. He wrote and directed it. Shakespeare’s Falstaff was his “greatest creation”, according to Welles. He loved playing him and it was his favorite role. In 1938, Welles put on a play called “Five Kings” which combined nine of Shakespeare’s plays. It was a disaster. In 1960, Welles revived it as a stage play called “The Chimes at Midnight” using Henry IV (Parts 1 and 2), Richard II, Henry V, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. It did not do well at the box office and it got mixed reviews. Today it is considered by many critics to be a masterpiece and some think it is the best Shakespeare movie. It is Welles’ favorite movie. It won two awards at Cannes and Welles was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Foreign Actor. He had to slim down in order to play the portly Falstaff.

               The movie covers the reign of Henry IV (John Guilgud) concentrating on the relationship between Falstaff and Prince Hal (Keith Baxter). Hal is living the wastrel’s life with Falstaff and his disreputable mates. Hal, Falstaff, and the rest go out one night to rob some travelers. Then Hal and a friend disguise themselves to steal the loot from Falstaff in a prank. Henry IV is dismayed by his son’s behavior, which is far from princely. The film stages the bloody Battle of Shrewsbury in which Henry’s forces defeat the usurper Henry Percy. Hal kills him in a duel. Soon after, Henry IV dies and Hal succeeds him as king. He breaks off relations with Falstaff in a brutal way that is very predictable. Welles described the film as a “betrayal of friendship”.

               The movie is a war movie because of the battle. It is surprisingly well-staged. Cavalry charges result in a typical movie melee. Cinematographer Edmond Richard “used hand-held cameras, wide-angle lenses, slow motion and speed up shots, static shots, swish pans, and constant rapid movement of the characters to create a kinetic and chaotic atmosphere.” (Wikipedia) The action is frenetic and graphic. The duel is down and dirty. Although it began as a play, the movie allowed for a good battle scene. It inspired “Braveheart” and “Saving Private Ryan” and the Battle of Agincourt scene in Kenneth Branagh’s “Henry V”. In fact, the whole movie does not have that stagey look that usually happens when Shakespeare is brought to the screen.

               The acting is outstanding, especially by Welles. Guilgud scores as Henry IV. The score is noteworthy. Angelo Lavagnino incorporated medieval dance tunes. The plot has some slapstick comedy and some humor that might give you a smile. During the battle, Falstaff is hiding like the coward that he is. Overall, the mix works and you can see the genius of Welles. It is a must-see for Shakespeare fans and entertaining for war movie fans who don’t mind a lot of dialogue.

 

GRADE  =  B