THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE 1994
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1997 Timothy Voon
1 :-) for the insane
Cast: Nigel Hawthorne, Helen Mirren, Ian Holm, Amanda Donohoe, Rupert Graves, Rupert Everett Director: Nicholas Hytner Screenplay: Alan Bennett based on his stage play THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III
They say 'Royal blood is blue', but how does one react to a mad king who is pissing blue urine with as much self control as running about the English countryside in his 'Jammys'. First, a quiet snigger is in order. After all, one does not laugh aloud at the King of England. We are referring to the 'infallible' British Monarchy, the oldest of the royal families, where everything is spoken in hushed whispers and behind closed doors. Here daily life is governed by minuscule laws and court etiquette, bound by centuries of tiresome tradition and refined customs.
Just when the stuffiness of Royalty becomes unbearable, it's refreshing to see a king of the longest lineage go temporarily mad. Not that it's all that spectacular by today's standards. I mean with Charles and Camilla, the tampons; Diana, Captain Hewitt, the rugby player and now the ex-play boy billionaire - it all but makes 'The Madness of King George' seem mild and inconsequential. God, I hope Di is OK - she was when I wrote this review pre paparazzi car chase.
Nevertheless, this tale of unfortunate genetics - 'Porphyria' a hereditary disease which makes the urine go blue and the brain batty (temporarily), must be told. Fascinating performances by Nigel Hawthorne as the mad king who is forced to behave himself by the 'body restraining-mouth gagging' techniques of Dr Willis (Ian Holm). The rest of the cast give noteworthy performances, but it's this mad, foul mouth, flatulent king and his bulky, firm stools which gets the most attention.
Timothy Voon e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au
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