The Lost King Review

THE LOST KING REVIEW

In a time when History is at the forefront of reinterpretation and views and icons, even statues are being dismantled and discussed, and their place and relevance in a contemporary world to fictionalize the process in very living History and to drape it in the genre of ‘Cardigan Comedy’ does seem a strange choice.

Based on what one can assume increasingly loosely on the events of 2012, what was on a national level in the shadow of the Olympics and more a cuddly panda story on national news. The Lost King gives us a significant Lead in Sally Hawkins. as Phillipa Langley, we are supportive and keyed into her situation, Estranged from her husband and dealing with a variety of microaggressions from the casual belligerence of her male employer and the pervasive attitude towards her needs living with M.E (Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and yes I did know of M.E. Still, also yes I googled that because I didn’t know what it stood for.

Her newfound drive to ‘course correct’ Richard III’s story has a somewhat overwrought purpose at points. The analogy of her M.E with Richard’s historical stigma and spine does seem a bit trite. But the family chemistry she brings to the role, particularly with Steve Coogan’s understated performance as John Langley, is something I could watch as the chemistry between them as they try to keep the house together and their lives apart without the trips to Leicester frankly.

Not to say there isn’t a lot of Mileage and comedy of passion as we are introduced to the Riccordian society. But given this is made on events barely more than ten years ago. I wonder how effective it is to portray these enthusiasts in the same brush as New Whovians in the ’90s. (no one ever surpassed Pertwee in the role, but that’s for another thread)

Everything seems relatively muted events themselves. The obstructions and barriers placed in Phillipa’s way seem relatively easy to navigate. Her job is under threat…but there is no sense she will lose anything. Her ex moves back in…but frankly, there’s no tension to that. One meeting, in particular, can be bought to the fore because she bakes a cake!

This also raises the panto level of our ‘villains’ given that everyone involved would still be alive. I feel it seems trite. Much like linking her M.E with Richards’s stigma. Do we need a scene where another woman takes her under her wing and tells her to keep her feelings to herself? Only to comp0liment her on them when she discovers Richard?
(it’s not a spoiler. It was literally on the news)

I think it was an amiable and diverting Sunday screen. And in many ways, I think it was made for the BBC world service more than here. But I did see this on a Monday matinee. The screen was one of the fullest I have seen at this time (3.00p.m Monday)

With mark addy and James Edward Fleet appearing to give the brit com seal of approval to the proceedings, it’s hard to knock it. The jokes are gentle, and the tension is lacking. But I think for many people right now, having a piece of historical entertainment that is warming without being too hot is the right cup of tea in these times.

But it’s not one I would search for either.