The War Lord

The War Lord, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, is a historical drama that was released in the year 1965. The film stars the iconic Charlton Heston, Richard Boone, and Rosemary Forsyth. Produced by Walter Seltzer and Gabriel Katzka and featuring a screenplay by John Collier and Millard Kaufman, The War Lord beautifully brings the tumultuous period of the Middle Ages to life on the big screen.

Charlton Heston, a Hollywood legend famous for his memorable roles in films like Ben Hur and The Ten Commandments, appears in this film as Chrysagon de la Crue, a Norman knight. We follow his journey from being an ambitious knight who has been granted a coastal demesne in the English army to confronting the choice between power, duty, and love.

Chrysagon is stationed with his soldiers at a remote coastal feudal outpost in the 11th century. He's portrayed as a man who is duty-bound with an inherent sense of justice and fairness. Heston brings to the role a certain depth of character, showcasing a knight who, to his subordinate Drake (played by Richard Boone), is a man of honor who takes the responsibility of leading his men and the land seriously. Heston's portrayal of Chrysagon allows the audience to journey alongside him, in the tumultuous course of events set in motion by his decisions.

Rosemary Forsyth, who debuts in this film, plays the character of Bronwyn, an exquisite beauty who is betrothed to the village leader's son. Her performance is one to admire, as she accurately portrays a woman of ancient times, torn between duty and her own sentiments.

The film explores the Norman-Saxon tensions and dynamics quite well. A major part of the plot delves into the controversial and archaic custom of "Droit du seigneur" or "right of the lord," whereby a feudal lord has the rights to a serf's bride on her wedding night. The turmoil that this tradition causes shapes much of the plot, prompting events that challenge both Chrysagon's authority and his morals, pulling him into a complex web of love, duty, and jealousy.

Richard Boone, known for his rugged roles, offers an excellent performance as Bors, Chrysagon's faithful yet pragmatic right-hand man. He shows strength and loyalty while providing the grounded perspective of a follower who tries to guide his leader on the righteous path.

The War Lord is rich in historical context, showcasing not only political and class-based conflicts but also a vivid display of ancient customs, religious beliefs, superstitions, and conflicts between old pagan rituals and the newly introduced Christianity. The movie beautifully captures the raw nature of the age, exposing formative stages of societal norms and governance in the backdrop of unvarnished violence and lawlessness.

The cinematography of The War Lord, handled by Russell Metty and art direction by Alexander Golitzen and George C. Webb, deserves praise. They bring out the unpolished beauty of the terrain, enhancing the authenticity of the setting with detailed depictions of medieval life. The battle scenes are remarkably staged, contributing to the captivating narrative of the film in a significant manner.

When it comes to music and sound, Jerome Moross’s stunning score cannot be overlooked. The robust orchestral score complements the theatrical presentation, especially during battle scenes and emotional sequences. It adds the right tone of intensity and suspense to the entire film.

In conclusion, The War Lord is a historical drama that does not just rely on action and violence to tell its story. Instead, it delves into the intricacies of human relations, power dynamics, and the dilemma between duty and desire. It's a multilayered portrayal of human nature and society during a time of upheaval and change. The robust performances, engaging script, and outstanding technical elements make The War Lord an intriguing cinematic offering set against the harsh yet captivating backdrop of the 11th Century.