Best Picture Winner: 1966

A Man for All Seasons (1966)

Sir Thomas More (Paul Scofield) finds himself in a difficult position. As Lord Chancellor of England and a devout Roman Catholic he refuses to support King Henry VIII (Robert Shaw) in the latter's quest to get divorce approval from the Pope. When Henry decides to break from Rome and declare himself Supreme Head of the Church in England, More puts his life at risk by remaining loyal to the Pope and his own convictions.

Based on the true story of More, A Man for All Seasons is an engrossing look at power and corruption in 16th Century England, where both church officials and government leaders conspired to appease the king. While others left their consciences behind in order to move up the hierarchy, Sir Thomas More remained steadfast in his loyalty to God first, even if it meant defying the King of England. Scofield (Oscar winner for Best Actor) is excellent in his portrayal of More. Completely understanding where his conviction may take him, Scofield never plays More as arrogant or with an air of superiority, or even as a hero. More is simply a man who has certain principles and beliefs from which he will not deviate, even at the risk of his own life. No matter what political season he finds himself in, More will remain true to his beliefs. The film becomes a bit repetitive as More is warned by his friends, loved ones, peers, and even enemies that his refusal will only lead to his demise. Still, Scofield is so commanding in the lead that this is a minor quibble.

The supporting cast boasts strong performances from Leo Kern as Thomas Cromwell, Wendy Hiller as More’s wife Alice, Nigel Davenport as More’s friend the Duke of Norfolk, John Hurt as the conniving Richard Rich, and Orson Welles as a corrupt Cardinal, to name a few examples. Scofield’s More verbally duels with each at some point and all make for convincing opponents.

Cinematographer Ted Moore and Art Director Terence Marsh help bring 16th Century England to vivid life. Beautifully filmed with picturesque landscapes and ornately decorated castles, A Man for All Seasons looks and feels authentic. Director Fred Zinnemann allows Robert Bolt’s script to play out in slow-burn fashion, as the tension steadily builds, More’s situation becoming more and more desperate. Visually, A Man for All Seasons is a rich film that provides a stunning backdrop to the events taking place.

A Man for All Seasons does not sugarcoat the cost for standing by one’s morals. But it certainly raises the point that, for those that believe in an afterlife, deviating from personal integrity for riches in this world will have consequences in the next. The final scene shows More as someone who has no regrets for the decisions he made. More may have lost an earthly battle, but he won a spiritual war.