Review of Becket

In the 20th and again in the 21st century, I lived in Paris and London: I was able to learn a great deal about French and English culture and history. In England, I spent considerable time at Canterbury Cathedral, where the infamous murder occurred. I was therefore interested in the 1964 film 'Becket' both for its history, whether accurate or not, and for the subtle existential themes embedded in it, as indicated by the subtitle, 'The Honor of God.' In the 1990s I saw a superb live performance of the play at a fine theater in the city where I live. Finally, when I was in Britain during 2007, I saw the 1964 film again. To my disappointment, I found it badly dated (I have read that film dates quickly). Peter O'Toole overacts in his role as Henry II. Sian Phillips, by contrast, is excellent as the mistress of 'old Tom, gay Tom.' The fact that Phillips was married to O'Toole for about twenty years adds considerable irony to the film.