First of all, again thanks to Numbat for that great idea!
I thought I had seen that film so often, that there could be nothing new to discover... but that's not true at all.
I have to admit that I soooo often stopped it, did slow motion, backwards, forwards (and not just the sex scenes), that it took me an eternity to watch. It's so fascinating to study his facial expressions. It's true, he does not need to say a word.
But then we could not hear his voice, that's also true. And WHAT a voice! Also this was a thing that completely puzzled me this time while watching. Sometimes I just closed my eyes and listened to that voice.
Someone has mentioned the music. Yes, I agree... it is perfect. Perfectly regal, as is Rufus.
And, yes, it is heartbreaking... right from the first scene, when young Rufus gets the blood of his father's head on his face. So many scenes in between (e.g. when Rupert wants to return to England and leaves him alone) Until the last scenes... when he is so worn and tired.
The very last scene is really hard to watch. With this awfully shaven head, those eyes... Really makes one's heart break.
And most of the characters break HIS heart, manipulate him, use him, betray him. The only one who really is loyal to him all the time, that's Catherine (WONDERFUL Sherley Henderson, she's such an incredible actress and they fit so well together! e.g. when she looks at him with those big sad eyes on their wedding night, her suffocated whispers.... ).
But there's also really funny scenes. One of my favorites is the scene when the Portuguese princess makes her first appearance and comes in with her servants... Catherine with that incredible hair.
Those faces of the servants.
The way he looks at her is so hilarious. And when he mumbles:
"My God, they brought me a bat to marry"
And the thing with the tea... (not very popular in England). Simply great.
And again, Rufus just sits there and does almost nothing, hardly raises an eyebrow and yet he completely dominates the scene.
Well, I could go on and on like this. But I don't want to bore you.
One last thing (also this has already been said, but I need to say it again):
I can't remember to have seen any other film where the aging of a character has been so convincing.
Of course it is also due to the hair thing, make up, masque thing etc. ...
But I can't hardly believe it's the same actor. The young king, so innocent and boyish somehow. And beautiful. (of course).
Then slowly his face changes. (always beautiful.. of course... but in such a different way).
And then at the end, it seems he hast lost at least 10 kilos, his face seems so gaunt, so tired. You really believe to see a very old man, very ill and soooo weary.
And all this is Rufus.
I think this is one of his best performances ever.
Oh, and to see his name appear on first place just right after the title... isn't that GREAT??? Why can't that happen more often?
Well, as you can easily see... there is no limits to fondness for Rufus... I thought I had already reached the top... and look at me now.
I guess every time I will watch that movie again, I will make another step into complete madness
And you know what's the problem? There are so many other films that have exactly the same effect on me!
(Just to mention Lord Marke, not to talk about Woodlanders...) OK OK I just stop it now!
Those faces of the servants.