All the King's Men
Monday, 30 Oct 2006 17:55
Kate Winslet and Sean Penn star in All the King's Men
Period based political drama about a small town clerk who makes it all the way to governor and shakes the system to the core.
Directed by Steven Zaillian, out in cinemas now, starring Sean Penn, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Anthony Hopkins, running time 128 minutes
In a nutshell…
Moralistic and idealistic political drama.
What's it all about?
All the King's Men is based on Robert Penn Warren's 1946 Pulitzer Prize winning novel which was also made into a film in 1949 when it won three Oscars.
The 2006 film was made before hurricane Katrina devastated the State of Louisiana although one can't help view some of the films political messages in the light of the current problems.
We follow Willie Stark (Penn) from well meaning and impassioned state treasurer to power hungry governor. Stark wants to make a difference but is he going the right way about it?
Throughout he is shadowed by journalist Jack Burden (Law) who is there to offer sage advice and help the governor through his high-society connections.
Despite representing the poor, Stark still needs help from judges and officials to fulfil his goals.
The situation is not a stable one. They say power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Who's in it?
Sean Penn has in the past captured the very essence of a character. In this film, however, he exudes so much that his character becomes blown out of all proportion. As a result it lacks the subtlety of his usual instinct for the human condition.
Law's accent is a decent attempt to ground him in the right context, but it is still clear that he doesn't quite belong. Despite this he is remains the saving grace of the film.
Winslet seems to lack her usual passion in this small role and Hopkins is marvellous but has barely any screen time.
As an example…
"You're a hick. Nobody ever helped a hick but a hick himself. Listen to me, listen to me! […] I'm standing here now on my hind legs. Even a dog can learn to do that. Are you standing on your hind legs? Have you learned that yet?" – Willie Stark
Likelihood of a trip to the Oscars
None whatsoever. Penn has always shunned the establishment though they have in the past had to reward some of his more incredible performances. However, his passion is not channelled effectively here. Law provides a solid presence, having to work off Penn's extravagancies, but does little to inspire the viewer.
What the others say
"The film begins with some interesting ideas about the relationship between journalism and politics, and the subtleties of corruption and morality, but it becomes convoluted," Johnny Vaughn – The Sun
"A Louisiana swamp of overacting and muddled plotlines sinks this cumbersome new version of Robert Earl Warren's political thriller," Peter Bradshaw – The Guardian
So is it any good?
All the King's Men is a valiant attempt to foreshadow the political climate of today by setting the film in the fertile and controversial times of the American south in the 50's. However, it loses its way with the tub thumping of Penn and the sentimental sub plot involving Jude Law.
One cannot argue that the cinematography is a thing of beauty and director Steven Zaillian, who is better known for his writing, shows a mature hand behind the camera.
Anthony Hopkins' role is sadly too small even if he couldn't be bothered with an accent. Despite the iconography used throughout the film it fails to make the connection it so desperately seeks.
It is a well made film that tries to convey an important message but ultimately the film leaves you a little cold when you realise you don't care enough what happens to the characters in it.
6/10
Dominic Beaumont 
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