Not even bad in a good way

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

I'm not usually drawn to French historical/3 Musketeer films but I switched over to a movie channel today and this had just started so I thought I would give it a go. Within minutes I was captivated by the wonderful acting and the deviously intricate plot.Richard Chamberlain is, here, a revelation. Nothing less. He excels in both of the very different roles he has to play. His depiction of King Louis XIV is quite mesmerising. The scene in which he arrogantly dances a ballet for his court is extraordinary. And, towards the end (I am trying not to spoil) Chamberlain - this time playing the other twin - is involved in another great dance moment, when he dances at a ball with the Queen and they have a private conversation as they dance, which is so well-written and performed that it will have you grinning with delight.Patrick McGoohan, Ian Holm, Ralph Richardson and the rest of the cast are also on top form. The sumptuous direction is equally superb. Unfortunately, as it was a TV movie, the quality of the sound and video tape has suffered a little over the years, and I suspect this may be the reason why it has not been shown so often. But the deterioration in the visual quality is overcome by the brilliance of the acting and direction, which really do shine through the primitive technology to make for a truly memorable film experience.I felt, watching some of this film, as if I was watching an opera. But if you don't like opera - don't let that put you off! It's the grandness of the story and the unashamedness of the acting/direction that I'm talking about. It is very rare that film-makers just throw caution to the winds and allow themselves to 'go for it' like this. Just watch it and you will know what I mean.

I'm a big fan of Patrick McGoohan so I don't like to find fault in a piece boasting one of his customarily excellent performances. But it should really be noted that this is, like some other movie versions of the same story, a great mutilation of the Dumas version. Dumas's story, actually just one thread of a gigantic novel titled The Viscount of Bragelonnne, has a secret twin of Louis XIV who is hidden away in the Bastille unknown even to the King himself. Through the machinations of Aramis, with the unwitting help of Porthos, an overnight coup is affected and the King sent to the Bastille in his twin's place. The King is, however, freed from the Bastille and reclaims his throne when d'Artagnan identifies him as the authentic monarch. The twin, who is disavowed by his mother, is only then condemned to imprisonment in the quasi-eponymous mask. The King is presented not as a black-hearted villain, but as a King who is sometimes ruthless and even cruel because his office requires such qualities.Hollywood invariably twists the story into one of a virtuous twin imprisoned in an iron mask who is led by one or more of the one-time musketeers to take the place of the evil king. This is simplistic claptrap, nothing to do with Dumas.

There seems to be an inferiority complex about this version of THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK but why ? Mike Newall is a competent director and he's assembled a fine cast in something that doesn't resemble a made for television movie . The story itself is based upon a Dumas swashbuckling classic but there's a fly in the ointment that is an obvious giveaway that this version lacks confidence . What am I talking about ? Why the music of course . Whenever the film wants us to feel something Allyn Ferguson's score dictates how the audience should be feeling . Certainly the score for THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK goes with the visuals but did it need to be so obvious ? It's almost like listening to PETER AND THE WOLF where the music itself is the narrative and I'm not sure if that's a good thing in cinema

Dumas' classic wonderful vivid novel sucks you in with its intrigue at the highest levels, the moral contrasts, the cleverness, the adventure.I was very surprised at just how fine this was - the cast is of the highest caliber - Ian Holm, Patrick McGoohan, Ralph Richardson, Louis Jourdan - an extraordinary Richard Chamberlin and a very pretty Jenny Agutter (though her character is rather one note). Note the movie is directed by Mike Newell - who would go on to direct Enchanted April, Four Weddings and a Funeral and many other fine movies. I was also floored by the producers' settings: four chateaus, the real island referenced in the novel, Fontainebleau - this movie (though made for television) must have cost a fortune to produce!I think the Frenchman's comment below is a bit sniffy. First, this was not an American production - but an English one. Second, this was not a distortion of French history -- Alexandre Dumas pere himself took many (wonderfully imagined) liberties in his novel - does anyone REALLY think Louis XIV was one of identical twins? Come on -this is a novel! Thus, the complaint that Louis XIV did not after all remain faithful to this mistress (as one would expect from the movie) is an objection to the historical truth of the novel, not its faithful adaptation to the screen. This movie well captures the flavor and spirit of the novel (except, as one reviewer notes, for the character of Philippe, made far more sympathetic here - but then most viewers (myself included) want a sympathetic central character).I also find the reviewer who says this was poor except for the wonderful acting of all the actors - to be a bit strange. They ARE the movie. This was very well done, so engrossing and so much fun. Patrick McGoohan is particularly wonderful, as is Chamberlin. Well worth your time - it's efficient, clear, amusing, horrifying, romantic, and gives plenty for those interested in history. It's also the perfect exciting family movie (well, except having to explain mistresses serving at the royal pleasure - that could be tricky) with something for everyone.