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Nigel Hawthorne, Helen Mirren, Ian Holm, Rupert Everett, Rupert Graves ... see more see more... , Amanda Donohoe , John Wood , Julian Rhind-Tutt , Roger Ashton-Griffiths , Selina Cadell , Anthony Calf , Jim Carter , Jeremy Child , Janine Duvitski , Joanna Hall , Roger Hammond , David Leon , Russell Martin , Geoffrey Palmer , Struan Rodger , Nicholas Selby , Cyril Shaps , Barry Stanton , Peter Woodthorpe , Alan Bennett , Julian Wadham , Robert Swann

Based on Alan Bennett's acclaimed play The Madness of George III, The Madness of King George takes a dark-humored look at the mental decline of King George III of England. The film's story begins near... read more read more...ly three decades into George's reign, in 1788, as the unstable king (Nigel Hawthorne, reprising his stage role) begins to show signs of increasing dementia, from violent fits of foul language to bouts of forgetfulness. This weakness seems like the perfect chance to overthrow the unpopular George, whom many blamed for the loss of the American colonies, in favor of the Prince of Wales (Rupert Everett), but the king's prime minister William Pitt (Julian Wadham) and his wife Queen Charlotte (Helen Mirren) are determined to protect the throne. Doctors are brought in, but the archaic treatments of the time prove of little value. In desperation, they turn to Dr. Willis (Ian Holm), a harsh, unconventional specialist whose unusual methods recall modern psychiatry. Willis struggles to break through to the mad king, treating him with an anger and haughtiness George has never before experienced. Stressing the absurdity of the entire situation, Bennett's witty screenplay emphasizes dry humor over tragedy, even utilizing references to King Lear for comic effect. Hawthorne's fiery yet vulnerable performance received much critical praise, including Best Actor at the British Academy Awards and a nomination for the same at the Oscars. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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PG-13, 1 hr. 47 min.

Directed by: Nicholas Hytner

Release Date: December 28, 1994

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DVD Release Date: June 5, 2001

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Flixster Reviews (382)

  • mumby1988
    January 21, 2012
    mumby1988
    It's been nearly a year since the film-going community was whipped up into a frenzy, falling over themselves to praise The King's Speech. People who had not been to the cinema in years went in their droves, audiences spontaneously applauded up and down the country, and the variou... read mores members of BAFTA and the Academy cast their votes to further cement the place of Bob and Harvey Weinstein as the kingmakers of awards season.

    If all of this sounds like sour grapes, then forgive me. Notwithstanding the Weinsteins' involvement, The King's Speech is a damn fine film, Colin Firth is a very good actor, and Tom Hooper is arguably one of the best British directors working today. However, it is arguable that this film would have not achieved such levels of success were it not for some form of royal precedent - which brings us, very nicely, to The Madness of King George.

    Nicholas Hytner's adaptation of Alan Bennett's acclaimed play The Madness of George III may not have achieved the level of Oscar success accorded to The King's Speech. Despite a good showing at the BAFTAs, its only Oscar came for Art Direction. In a year dominated by Forrest Gump, Nigel Hawthorne had to watch Tom Hanks become only the second man after Spencer Tracy to win back-to-back Best Actor awards. But there are a number of key narrative similarities.

    Both films revolve around an outsider or commoner coming into royal circles to assist the King (albeit against his will). There is a similar amount of political and philosophical opposition, in both cases coming mainly from Parliament and the royal doctors who seek to discredit said commoner. There is also a background of political struggle or brewing crisis, the solution to which lies in the personal story which forms the emotional foreground.

    The similarities between the two are so close at points that you could accuse David Seidler of plagiarising Alan Bennett. Or perhaps the nature of the British royal family is such that these kinds of conflicts occur regularly, and that their history is one of rampant self-plagiarism. Even the most cursory glance at British history would suggest that such an observation is not entirely facetious. The monarchy's peculiar constitutional role provides a fertile ground for stories about the balance of power and the clash between reason and emotion. While filmmakers may have taken this into the realms of Oscar cliché, it is not entirely the fabrication of an idle screenwriter.

    The key difference between the two films, is one of tone. The King's Speech may be written by a Briton, directed by a Briton and star the cream of British talent, but as a production it has a transatlantic feel; the involvement of the Weinsteins indicates a desire to appeal to the widest possible audience. But while Bennett's writing has always been populist and accessible, The Madness of King George is more willing to be whimsical and off the beaten track, at least in its penchant for lingual acrobatics.

    Both Bennett's play and Hytner's rendering of it are examples of efficient, breezy storytelling. Once the key characters have been established, and the first signs of the King's infirmity revealed, the film really gets on with it, with not a bit of slack or pause for thought throughout its 102 minutes. The very speed at which Hawthorne delivers his speeches, cantering through pages like they were pithy one-liners, makes the whole thing pass very quickly.

    Unlike many more low-key films, the whimsy of The Madness of King George generally works to its advantage. The King's English of the 18th century, at least as we perceive it, is more pompous, flowery and bizarre than that of his descendants. While George VI was required to be a public figure in the absence of any genuine powers, George III only greets his public at the beginning and end of the story.

    Hawthorne is clearly enjoying himself in the title role, spitting out all the insults with immense relish and grinning his way through the "what-what"s. But this is not an example of a great actor mugging, like the late-period Laurence Olivier. The King's unusual utterances, which border on lunacy or delirium, are a witty contrast to the humour-free William Pitt and the puritanical determination of Dr. Willis. This portrayal serves to further reinforce the theme of the detachment and increasing irrelevance of royalty, both politically and medically.

    The Madness of King George is at its strongest when it ties the central relationship to the political and constitutional struggle going on around it. The illness of the King would be a matter of inconvenience at any time, but it becomes a matter of national security in light of other issues facing Britain. There are calls for reform to the political system, led by Pitt's opponent Charles Fox, and as the King grows worse, Pitt's government seems weaker. America's independence and proclamation of republican democracy is a new and unquantifiable threat to the accepted order. And of course, unbeknownst to everyone, the French Revolution is just around the corner.

    All of these events are handled with a light touch, as Hytner seeks to explain why the King's position is emblematic of the country as a whole. Both the doctors and the politicians are meddling with the institution of royalty - manipulating it for their profit and promotion, with no consideration for the fate of the King or the people he governs. Dr. Willis may show more desire and appetite to improve the King's manner, aiming, quite literally, to beat him into shape. But in the end he is as bad as the rest, promoting his values through the needless persecution of others.

    Likewise, the manoeuvres to install Prince George as Regent are not acts of favouritism; it is a calculated move by the reformists to weaken the monarchy. Replacing a long-serving and popular king with a young philandering upstart would turn the public against the royal family, allowing Fox to seize momentum and reshape the constitution. The King's illness is a symbol of the declining old order, set in motion by people who cannot understand his predicament.

    If all of this sounds heavy and Machiavellian, then it shouldn't, because The Madness of King George is joyously funny to watch. It's easy to derive sneering amusement at the absurd levels of propriety involved - for instance, the King's refusal to let anyone sit down in his presence. But there are many moments of genuine comedy which add to the light-hearted atmosphere. The funniest comes during the performance of Handel's 'Water Music', where Hawthorne jumps on stage to play the harpsichord and then beats up his son when the latter tells him to be quiet.

    There are a couple of problems with the film. It begins to get repetitive about halfway in, as the various cures are found wanting: there's only so many times you can show a man screaming and being restrained. The ending is also a little unsatisfying, being the one point in the film which feels overly tailored to awards season. Its emphasis on the stability of the royal family may be in keeping with the overall theme, but its stability is of such note that it wanders into caricature, and we feel like nothing has changed.

    The Madness of King George is a thoroughly enjoyable film which has survived the poisoned chalice of awards recognition. Nearly two decades on it remains an intelligent and engaging balance of the personal and political. Hawthorne carries the piece with great presence, aided by a simpering Rupert Everett, a fearsome Ian Holm, and Helen Mirren on top form in spite of a wayward accent. It's not perfect, but this and The King's Speech together would make a right royal double bill.
  • flixsterman
    April 1, 2010
    flixsterman
    "I'm here, here, but I'm not all there."

    Originally titled The Madness of King George III but the "III" was dropped fearing that American audiences would think it a sequel.

    Historically fascinating but suffers from hit & miss casting in the supporting roles. Helen Mirre... read moren is utterly fantastic, as always. Nigel Hawthorne's performance is Oscar worthy.
  • smith44
    March 15, 2010
    smith44
    Adapted from a play, the historical authenticity of the this film seems questionable. If the audience is to believe everything they see in this film about King George and his madness, it is simply incredible the way the King of England acted and the resulting consequences. Played... read more by Nigel Hawthorn in his Academy Award nomminated role, the pinnicale of his career, the character and performance are extraordinary. The mood is so murky you don't know wether it is a comedy or tragedy, to laugh or cry. Rupert Everett adds some needed humor and Helen Mirren supplys the forceful tragedy, but Hawthorn steals the show. Overall the film is worth watching for it's astounding story, a lesson in history or hollywood we'll never know.
  • SirPant
    September 29, 2009
    SirPant
    Good film, Nigel Hawthorne's performance was a triumph! Did his piss really go blue though?
  • bottcorecords1
    April 16, 2009
    bottcorecords1
    Sometimes the movie is a little obvious, in much the same way other movies from this time period were (in much the same way Robin Williams' "Dead Poet's Society" did things big and obvious), but Nigel Hawthorne delivers an astounding performance as the maligned king. The costume... read mores too, are of considerable note, as far as period pieces go, this one manages to capture the essence of a specific moment in time. Not the best of the period movies, but certainly not the least.
  • RCCLBC
    September 25, 2008
    RCCLBC
    Just rewatched this (having seen it in the theater YEARS ago).

    Though the story seems "a bit rushed" at times, this is a really good film. And to spite the subject matter, it is a mostly ammusing film.

    Very strong performances by both Hawthorne & Mirren.
  • Stinger839
    August 28, 2008
    Stinger839
    Quite a funny and appropriately odd movie with many of the disturbing "cures" and "theories" surrounding mental illness before the 20th century implemented or discussed.

    Some of the subplots are a bit flawed, and don't have much purpose.

    Production Design is there in full fo... read morerce of course, and has the high budget cinematography to fit it. The acting is incredible throughout, and Ian Holm's stareoff technique is wholly convincing.

    The film held my attention all the way through, which is always a huge accomplishment for a period royalty piece.
  • YosemiteSamFan
    August 2, 2007
    YosemiteSamFan
    Mental Deterioation is a sad thing indeed. It can even affect Royalty.
  • garyX
    June 18, 2007
    garyX
    Extremely powerful historical drama about the ordeal undergone by King George III when he was suffering from porphyria, a disease so painful it can be mistaken for insanity. Nigel Hawthorne's performance as the ailing monarch is absolutely astonishing and deeply harrowing.
  • hawkledge
    February 1, 2009
    hawkledge
    Ebullient, witty, and surprisingly sympathetic portrait of the insanity of politics and the politics of insanity. Graceful and assured and brought to life by Nigel Hawthorne in a performance that carries the entire film.

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Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy
August 22, 2006
Emanuel Levy, Variety

Hytner's version of Bennett's comic-tragic drama of the tormented king who almost lost his mind confirms that power games, family scandals, and personal intrigues have always been integral to the Brit... Full Review

Mick LaSalle
June 18, 2002
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

In its own shambling, elliptical way it's an entertaining, memorable movie whose 2 1/2 hours go by without strain. Full Review

Rick Groen
April 12, 2002
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

Hawthorne is by turn outrageous and pathetic and imperious and poignant and very funny. Full Review

Peter Travers
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

The thrill of Hawthorne's astounding performance is not something you want to miss.

Stanley Kauffmann
January 1, 2000
Stanley Kauffmann, New Republic

For those who, like myself, were disappointed in the play, the film contains pleasant surprises, all of them resulting from differences between the two arts.

Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

Somehow ... this frail figure [George] is an immensely likable -- and, at times, deeply moving -- character. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The battle of wills between these two strong men [George and Willis] is the centerpiece of the movie, and hugely entertaining. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Without exception, the acting is top-notch. Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

[Hawthorne] turns what would surely be an unsympathetic role in lesser hands into something poetic -- and hysterical. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
February 12, 2006
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

It's Hawthorne's engaging performance that makes this drama both fun and moving. Full Review

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The Madness of King George Trivia

  • *****The Film "The Madness Of King George" Tells the Story of which King of the United Kingdom.*****   Answer »
  • I played Queen Charlotte in The Madness of King George, was the voice for the Queen in The Prince of Egypt and have also played the current Queen of England. Who am I?   Answer »
  • The Madness of King George is based on the life of which English king?  Answer »
  • He was in "The Madness of King George", "A Room With a View", "Mrs. Dalloway" and "V for Vendetta". Who is the actor?  Answer »
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