Becket Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two besties have a falling out when one becomes a priest and starts ghosting the other, leading to a fatal breakup.

🍿 Becket: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Royal Friendship

King Henry II of England (Peter O’Toole) enjoys a close, albeit debauched, friendship with Thomas Becket (Richard Burton). Becket serves as Henry’s confidant and advisor, aiding him in both political matters and personal indulgences. Their bond is strong, built on shared experiences and mutual respect, despite their different backgrounds.

Appointment and Transformation

Seeking to control the Church, Henry appoints Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury, believing his friend will remain loyal to the crown. However, Becket undergoes a profound transformation, embracing his religious duties with newfound zeal. This shift creates a deep rift between the two men, as Becket prioritizes the Church’s interests over the King’s desires.

Clash of Loyalties

The conflict escalates as Becket increasingly opposes Henry’s policies, challenging his authority and defending the Church’s rights. Their friendship deteriorates into animosity, fueled by Henry’s sense of betrayal and Becket’s unwavering commitment to his faith. The once inseparable companions become bitter adversaries, caught in a struggle between loyalty to the crown and devotion to God.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Thomas Becket (Richard Burton): A conflicted advisor to King Henry II who undergoes a transformation upon becoming Archbishop of Canterbury, leading to conflict with the king.
• King Henry II (Peter O’Toole): The impulsive and volatile King of England who faces unexpected opposition from his close friend after appointing him Archbishop.
• King Louis VII of France (John Gielgud): The clever and pragmatic King of France and an observer of the escalating conflict between Henry and Becket.
• Cardinal Zambelli (Gino Cervi): A high-ranking member of the Catholic Church who becomes entangled in the political conflict between Becket and Henry.
• Pope Alexander III (Paolo Stoppa): The Pope who attempts to mediate the dispute between King Henry II and Archbishop Thomas Becket.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• King Henry II: “Becket is the only intelligent man in my kingdom, and he’s against me!” – Expresses the King’s frustration and recognition of Becket’s intellectual strength as his adversary.
• Thomas a Becket: “Tonight you can do me the honor of christening my forks.” – Becket introduces forks, a new invention, to Henry, highlighting his sophistication.
• King Henry II: “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” – The infamous line, uttered in a fit of frustration, leading to Becket’s assassination.
• Thomas Becket: “Poor Henry.” – Becket’s final words, showing pity for Henry even as he’s being murdered, understanding the king’s inner turmoil.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $149,327
• Worldwide Gross: $149,327

💥 Becket Reviews

Personal Review

I was totally captivated by ‘Becket.’ The dynamic between Burton and O’Toole is incredible – you can feel the tension and affection between them. The scene where Henry visits Becket’s tomb is haunting and sets the stage perfectly. It’s a powerful movie about friendship, duty, and faith, and it really made me think about what I value most. Highly recommend it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about faith and power”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances by Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Mature themes relating to religion and politics”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “O’Toole and Burton deliver towering performances in this historical drama. The film excels in its exploration of loyalty, friendship, and the conflict between personal desires and institutional duty. A must-see for fans of classic cinema, though some historical inaccuracies may irk purists.
• New York Times: “A powerful and thought-provoking film that delves into the complex relationship between King Henry II and Thomas Becket. While the movie takes liberties with historical facts, it succeeds in capturing the emotional core of their conflict. Richard Burton’s performance is a standout.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Becket boasts an intriguing plot and impeccable performances from Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole that are a big part of its appeal. The characters are very well portrayed and the script is great.

Audience Reactions

The acting is phenomenal, especially the chemistry between Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole.: Viewers consistently praise the performances, the costumes, and the film’s ability to bring a historical event to life.

The costumes, set designs, and soundtrack were all wonderfully done!: General public agrees that the film delivers some of the best values in filmaking history.

Overall Consensus: A classic historical drama elevated by brilliant performances and compelling themes of loyalty and faith.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 1965
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 1965
3. Golden Globe Award (Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama)- 1965
4. BAFTA Film Award (Best British Art Direction)- 1965
5. BAFTA Film Award (Best British Cinematography)- 1965
6. BAFTA Film Award (Best British Costume)- 1965

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Richard Burton initially turned down the role of Thomas Becket, feeling it would be a field day for the press due to the idea of him playing a saint. He also thought he’d be more suited to playing Henry II.”
• “Jean Anouilh based the play’s script on Augustin Thierry’s 1825 work ‘The History of the Conquest of England by the Normans’, which presumed that Becket was a Saxon. Anouilh admitted he’d learned the truth after completing the play, but decided to leave it as is because it made for a better story.”
• “Both Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole were nominated for the Best Actor Oscar for their roles in ‘Becket,’ but neither won. The award went to Rex Harrison for ‘My Fair Lady.'”

🖥️ How to Watch Becket?

Becket is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Becket, you might like these similar films:

• A Man for All Seasons (1966): Direct comparison: Another historical drama exploring the conflict between a man of principle and a powerful king (Henry VIII), leading to martyrdom.
• The Lion in Winter (1968): Features Peter O’Toole again as King Henry II, portraying a later stage of his reign and highlighting the complexities of his character and his relationships with his family.
• Elizabeth (1998): Thematic similarity: Explores the challenges faced by a monarch dealing with political and religious pressures in 16th-century England.
• Gladiator (2000): Modern Equivalent: While set in ancient Rome, it shares themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for power against a corrupt leader.

🛒 Becket Related Products

• The Complete Plays of T.S. Eliot: Includes T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral which deals with the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, providing further insights into the historical figure.
• The Lion in Winter [Blu-ray]: Starring Peter O’Toole as King Henry II, this companion piece offers a different perspective on the reign of Henry II with a masterclass performance.
• A Man for All Seasons [Blu-ray]: Like Becket, a must-see for lovers of historical drama.
• Becket (DVD): Newly restored, perfect for historical and cinema buffs.

🎧 Soundtrack

Becket features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Dies Irae” – performed by Medieval Latin Hymn
• “Becket – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” – performed by Laurence Rosenthal

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

CATHOLIC CHURCH – Exemplary Excommunication / From the film Becket

Ever wondered what the excommunication scene in ‘Becket’ was like? This clip captures the tension and drama perfectly. I think it is one of the most powerful scene in the movie!

The HORRIFIC Murder Of Thomas Becket – Archbishop Of Canterbury

Want to know the true story behind Becket’s assassination? This video breaks down the historical events. It’s brutal, but it really puts the movie into perspective!

Henry II – English Monarchs Animated Documentary

Curious about the real Henry II? This animated documentary covers his life and reign and the issues that he faced. Understanding his background really enriches the film.

✨ Rate