University of Virginia Library

Goes Deeper

The movie does go deeper than
its dialogue within the script. And
it is a very good movie cinematically,
also. Anthony Harvey's direction
is at least equal to the caustic
language. An instance of his perception
which is notable is when
Philippe, the King of France, enters
the court. The Court is particularly
tawdry, an almost tribal place.
Nonetheless when the King of
England greets the King of France
there is ceremony. Henry dons a
bold brocaded robe. He and his
queen walk before the cheers of
their subjects. Philippe enters to a
formal welcome. It is cold. They
enter the royal chambers where
Henry promptly doffs his robe,
positions himself in front of the fire
in the hearth, and rubs his nether
quarters with his hands. He, the
King of England, has a freezing ass.