The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)

Oh, I suppose I can recommend THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK.  Teen jean
cream-appeal notwithstanding, BRAVEHEART writer Randall Wallace's
directorial debut is a not-bad period piece, made watchable by a 
brisk pace, some good dialogue, and three most-excellent musketeers 
(Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, and Gerard Depardieu).  The plot is 
a bit dense, but the drama is just hokey enough to be fun.  (In al-
ternating turns, the movie is rousing, silly, and soapy.)  Though 
there's less swashbuckling than you might expect, the swordsmen 
have a great chemistry together.  (Something you don't see every 
day:  Irons and Depardieu roughhousing like little boys.  Something 
else you don't see every day:  Depardieu flashing a full French 
moon.)  The other MVP is Gabriel Byrne, as King Louis' security 
chief and former fourth musketeer.  He has a number of good scenes, 
including an intriguing moment or two opposite Anne Parillaud, of 
LE FEMME NITIKA fame.  (She's a royal babe as the Queen Mother.  
Too bad the same can't be said for Judith Godreche, who barely reg-
isters as a key love interest.)  As for Mr. DiCapricorn (he's real-
ly a Leo), the hair-extensioned heartthrob never fully fits in, but 
he gives it a game try.  He knows it's good to be the king.  (Rated 
"PG-13"/130 min.)

Grade: C+


Postscript:  Arrive late at Pleasant Valley to avoid the torturous 
trailer reel.  The worst has gotta be THE HORSE WHISPERER.  Lemme 
tell ya, if the sight of Jack Nicholson wooing Helen Hunt gave you 
the chills, wait'll you see Robert Redford makin' the moves on 
Kristen Scott Thomas.  Ugh.


Copyright 1998 Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies in MOVIE HELL: And All For One