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Is More a bore? By Diogenes | October 09, 2008

Is it heresy to whisper that the sainted Thomas More is a bit of a bore?

Thus begins a New York Times review of a Broadway revival of Robert Bolt's memorable Man for All Seasons: the play that became the still-more-memorable movie.

No, it's not heresy. A saint could, in theory, be a dull subject for theatrical portrayal. But it's a curious criticism, at least, to say (as Times review Ben Brantley says) that the playwright "neglects to include several essential ingredients for a compelling dramatic hero. Like conflict, doubt, vacillation and change."

Is it obligatory for a dramatic hero to manifest self-doubt? Somebody should tell Sophocles. 

In the screenplay, Bolt takes pains to show the interior struggle of St. Thomas More: a good man's desire to save his position, his family, and ultimately his life; competing against the demands of intellect, honor, and conscience; in the end, with the prospect of martyrdom staring him in the face, recognizing: "Finally, it's a matter of love."

Did the lead actor fail to display that dramatic struggle? Apparently not; Brantley goes to great length to praise the work of Frank Langella, who played the role of St. Thomas.

So what is the critic's complaint, then? There may be a clue in his off-hand reference to the "monolithic goodness" of the saint's character. An evil character might be easier to take--and indeed Brantley expresses keen interest in the role of the conniving, amoral Cromwell. But virtue is out of fashion. 

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• Posted by: Antonius86 - Oct. 10, 2008 2:14 PM ET USA

  Exactly, these NYT reviewers contradict themselves. Most people will read the first few lines and then not realize that, in the end, the reviewer is praising the production as well as the script, even if he's puzzled why he likes unfashionable virtue.

• Posted by: Gil125 - Oct. 09, 2008 1:51 PM ET USA

  What in the world did you expect of the New York Times?