Writer/Director: Randall Wallace
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, John Malkovich and Jeremy Irons
‘A Mesmerizing Medieval Epic’
Not many actors that gained fame years ago are as beloved as Leonardo DiCaprio. Following the 1990’s, DiCaprio has proven to be an icon. Whether it’s destructive lovers, departed cops or Wall Street stockbrokers, DiCaprio has played countless compelling characters. Arguably, DiCaprio’s strength as an actor has often been his commitment to craft. He is a one of a kind actor which has poured both heart and soul into every role. Through ability to portray strong characters that are compelling, DiCaprio has created a legacy that is lasting. An actor with a strong commitment toward his craft, DiCaprio has become a celebrated icon in entertainment. Throughout a lasting career, DiCaprio has produced several memorable movies which are absolutely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of DiCaprio and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “The Man in the Iron Mask” is definitely my favourite. Released back in 1998, Randall Wallace’s movie offered a great portrait of the Three Musketeers legend. Packed with captivating production design, breathtaking storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best medieval films ever made. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrays a dual role of brothers that face sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “The Man in the Iron Mask” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the tale of the Three Musketeers to appreciate it. A riveting period piece, there are many reasons why “The Man in the Iron Mask” is a movie that is worth watching.
Set in 17th Century London, “The Man in the Iron Mask” tells a story of a tyrannical ruler that wears a mask. Leonardo DiCaprio plays King Louis XIV, a menacing ruler that has a strong control over his kingdom. Louis has always had talent for ruling his kingdom he loves dearly. However, Louis’ life drastically changes when he is threatened by the three musketeers causing disaster. Facing a huge dilemma, Louis questions his devotion to a profession that affected his persona. As he engages in rivalries among his twin brother Philippe, Louis questions his dedication to being a ruler. Facing a significant problem, Louis questions his abilities to successfully run his kingdom.
Randall Wallace is a newcomer to the tales of The Three Musketeers. Before he directed “The Man in the Iron Mask”, Wallace hadn’t made a literary adaptation. It was Wallace’s first attempt to adapt a legendary tale of a celebrated medieval story but he succeeded immensely. Using stunning cinematography, Wallace captured a king embarking upon a journey to find his identity. Evoking Kenneth Branagh’s “Hamlet”, Wallace expertly uses point of view shots to capture tensions that majestic kings are facing. For instance, the POV shots elevate the kingdom rule scene. During this unforgettable scene, King Louis has a tense argument with political leaders in his kingdom. Using stunning point of view shots, Wallace created a portrait of a king that’s engaging. POV shots are tricky to use in films. As Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” suggested, POV shots elevate biopics about aviators. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Using stunning visuals, Wallace captures tensions that tyrannical kingdoms are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Man in the Iron Mask” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive medieval movies ever made. Evoking Mel Gibson’s “Braveheart”, Wallace effectively employs costumes to capture tensions that brave kings are facing. For instance, costumes elevate the kingdom attack scene. During this unforgettable scene, King Louis faces tension when his kingdom is attacked with intruders. Through captivating costumes, Wallace creates a portrait of kings that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Nick Glennie-Smith’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing burden that kings bear. Through strong production, Wallace captures the lives of kings that face tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Man in the Iron Mask” is a movie that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and successfully uses dramatic monologues to signal tension medieval kings experience. Evoking Rob Reiner’s “The Princess Bride”, Wallace effectively utilizes monologues to capture tensions faced by kings with pride. For instance, monologues enhance the twin confessions scene. During this memorable scene, King Louis has intimate conversation with his twin brother through a spellbinding monologue. Through breathtaking dramatic monologues, Wallace creates a portrait of a majestic king audiences can easily relate to. Monologues are tricky techniques to use in most movies. As Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet” demonstrated, monologues enhance adaptations of classic Shakespeare plays. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through a spectacular screenplay, Wallace celebrates a story that’s beloved today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a phenomenal performance as King Louis. DiCaprio first earned appreciation for playing doomed lovers facing disastrous shipwrecks. With “The Man in the Iron Mask”, however, he took on his most complicated role. It isn’t easy to portray a dual role of a king and twin brother simultaneously but DiCaprio succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever witnessed him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the ambitions, bravery and resentment of a king facing tensions. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for DiCaprio, the supporting cast is excellent and worthy of appreciation. Gabriel Byrne is brilliant, capturing the powerful personality of a musketeer embarking on a journey to overcome obstacles which prove painful. Jeremy Irons is incredible, capturing the tensions faced by a medieval warrior that struggles to gain compensations. Lastly, John Malkovich merits appreciation. As a comical musketeer, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “The Man in the Iron Mask” would achieve the appreciation of everyone for capturing men that wear a mask. Unlike most musketeer adaptations, the movie tackles bold themes everyone will relate to. It tackles strong themes including angst, mental health and trauma which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the Three Musketeers tale to appreciate it. Therefore, “The Man in the Iron Mask” is one of those rare medieval films that everyone would adore.
Fans of Leonardo DiCaprio will definitely enjoy “The Man in the Iron Mask” and so would movie-goers seeking meaningful entertainment. A mesmerizing medieval epic, it honours an actor that’s iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking movie about a tyrannical king facing musketeers that are threatening, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has created a lasting legacy through his ability to portray compelling characters in iconic movies worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 