PIC of the Week – Anne of a Thousand Days
Article series by Ray Schillaci
Twilight Time Movies has a small treasure trove of titles well worth revisiting. This week, they’ve gifted us with a Blu of the 1970 Academy Award winner Anne of a Thousand Days. Sixteen nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor – Richard Burton, Best Actress – Geneviève Bujold, Best Supporting Actor – Anthony Quayle, and Best Screenplay Based on Material From Another Medium. This is a powerhouse of a historical drama.
Although not entirely factual, the impact of the actors, the writing, and the direction is enough to keep you riveted. King Henry the VIII’s antics are unfairly matched against the fire and fury of the famed Anne Boleyn, and that’s what makes this story so much fun up until its inevitable end. Game of Thrones fans will find this film classic every bit as intriguing, suspenseful and jaw dropping as their favorite episodes, and it’s based on fact!
Mind you, this film was made in 1969 when Hollywood of old was being pushed out, and the “New” Hollywood was shoving its way through. A good read regarding this period of time is Peter Biskind’s amazing account of the transition, Easy Riders, Raging Bulls. Films like Anne of a Thousand Days nearly fell into the relic heap when popular movies like The Wild Bunch, Easy Rider, Women in Love, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid came into vogue. It was a drastic change that made younger audiences and some critics tend to shun films like Anne, Goodbye Mr. Chips, and Hello, Dolly!
These were not bad films. Looking back, they have tremendous entertainment value. Although, I have to admit Hello, Dolly!’s dance numbers go on a little too long. But, the Hollywood of old and its production values are pure pleasure for most cinephiles, which makes this weeks PIC so worth viewing.
Anne’s director, Charles Jarrott, brings to the screen a sumptuous production that is probably the best example of Hollywood’s classic era. Jarrott and his writers begin the film near the end with (no spoiler here if you know an ounce of history) King Henry wavering on whether or not to behead his beautiful second queen, Anne Boleyn. From there, it’s a very long flashback of the events that lead to this historical decision.
Richard Burton captures Henry the VIII’s bravado, lechery, and chauvinism. But, Burton is not completely unlikeable. His Henry is also tormented by his obsession for a male heir. As mentioned before, Geneviève Bujold as Anne is Henry’s perfect foil. Her spunkiness catches Henry off guard. Already in love with a young man much closer to her age, Anne refuses the King’s advances even though he insists she will learn to love him. Henry does everything to woo her including getting her former beau married, showering her with riches and power.
The combination eventually wears Anne down, and she finds not only a lust for power, but for Henry as well. But, three big hurdles stand in the way: Henry’s first wife who refuses to give him an annulment, the church, and Anne’s eventual need to prove herself worthy and bear Henry the son he has longed for. Henry’s first wife bore him a daughter and two still-born sons. Henry is certain that Anne is the answer to his prayers. If only Henry knew what we know now, it is the male that is responsible for gender.
Anne of a Thousand Days is an enthralling historical treat. The dialogue is witty and wonderful, it earns its Oscar nomination. The players are perfect in all their roles, and for those not completely familiar with Anne’s tale, there is a turn of the screw that is damn near jaw-dropping.
Twilight Time has delivered a rich looking Blu, but not without a hint of grain. Those looking for the sharp pictures of today may be disappointed. No reason to be, for this is the reflection of the era in which it was shot, and it would be a disservice for the presentation to be otherwise. A fine 1080p picture has been provided and presented in its original aspect ratio 2.35:1.
Audio has vastly improved since the DVD with an English 2.0 DTS-HD MA. Dialogue is preserved and many of the ambient sounds are present but not overpowering. The film score is the stand out here by Georges Delerue. It should be noted this is also the composer who went on to deliver such rich dramatic film scores from True Confessions, Salvador, and Platoon.
It should also be noted that this disc is a Region A/B/C, able to play just about anywhere whether it be here in the States, England, Italy and Japan. Sadly, Twilight Time is not known for bonuses provided with their presentations. All that’s been provided is the mentioned isolated film score and the original trailer. But, this should not be a deterrent for collectors. This is a worthy addition for those in love with historical dramas and would be a great watch for a movie nite. This is not a title that is easily found. Unavailable at the big box stores and Amazon. Then, where does that leave us? With the distributor themselves and eBay.
Best Price – $29.95 – Twilight Time Movies
