The Madness of King George
First screened in February 1995 / Most recently screened in April 2015
Director: Nicholas Hytner. Cast: Nigel Hawthorne, Helen Mirren, Rupert Everett, Julian Wadham, Jim Carter, Ian Holm, Rupert Graves, Amanda Donohoe, Geoffrey Palmer, John Wood, Roger Hammond, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Anthony Calf, Matthew Lloyd Davies, Adrian Scarborough, Paul Corrigan, Nick Sampson, Nicholas Selby, Struan Rodger, Barry Stanton, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Colin McPhillamy. Screenplay: Alan Bennett (based on his play The Madness of George III).

Twitter Capsule: Lacks a clear point of view on the historical episode. Schticky in tone; handsome but familiar in style.

VOR:   Global success seemed to surprise even the distributor. Charms reasonable but not distinctive. Even its skillful aspects I'd hardly call memorable. But it did land.



Photo © 1995 The Samuel Goldwyn Company/Channel Four Films

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: C


Academy Award Nominations and Winners:
Best Actor: Nigel Hawthorne
Best Supporting Actress: Helen Mirren
Best Adapted Screenplay: Alan Bennett
Best Production Design: Ken Adam; Carolyn Scott

Other Awards:
Cannes Film Festival: Best Actress (Mirren)
British Academy Awards (BAFTAs): Best British Film; Best Actor (Hawthorne); Best Makeup & Hair (Lisa Westcott)

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