Footnotes in movie books are likely to reduce this swashbuckling adventure down to a simple description : it was the first movie to star Leonardo DiCaprio after the phenomenal success of Titanic. As such it automatically attracted a box-office stampede of Leo’s young female fans, but critical reaction was deservedly mixed. Having earned his directorial debut after writing the Oscar-winning script for Mel Gibson’s Braveheart, Randall Wallace wrote and directed this ambitious version of the often-filmed classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. DiCaprio plays dual roles as the despotic King Louis XIV, who rules France with an iron fist, and the king’s twin brother, Philippe, who languishes in prison under an iron mask, his identity concealed to prevent an overthrow of Louis’ throne. But Louis’ abuse of power ultimately enrages Athos (John Malkovich), one of the original Four Musketeers, who recruits his former partners (Gabriel Byrne, Gérard Depardieu, and Jeremy Irons) in a plot to liberate Philippe and install him as the king’s identical replacement. Once this plot is set in motion and the Musketeers are each given moments in the spotlight, the film kicks into gear and offers plenty of entertainment in the grand style of vintage swashbucklers. But it’s also sidetracked by excessive length and disposable subplots, and for all his post-Titanic star power, the boyish DiCaprio just isn’t yet “man” enough to be fully convincing in his title role. Still, this is an entertaining movie, no less enjoyable for falling short of the greatness to which it aspired. –Jeff Shannon

5 Responses to “The Man in the Iron Mask [VHS]”

1. sparky146 says:

   February 7, 2010 at 12:00 am

   I had been looking for this movie for a long time. When I stumbled across it on Amazon, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. It came to me in record time, packaged beautifully, and the price was fantastic. I recommend this site to one and all.
2. Arnita D. Brown says:

   January 8, 2010 at 12:00 am

   The three musketeers reunite to put the real Louis the XIV back in power after he is shamlessly bound and hidden by his twin brother. This movie is a first-rate adventure. The style of this movie has an amusingly ludicrous to it. Dicaprio is simply outstanding. A must see movie.
3. C. Johnson says:

   December 24, 2009 at 12:00 am

   I always feel secure ording from Amazon on-line. The service is first call and delivery time is excellent. I have been looking everywhere for this movie and could not find it in any local stores, I am glad that they had it here at such a great price. I love this movie and Amazon.
4. Mr. Big says:

   October 6, 2009 at 12:00 am

   Period movie, jeremy irons, adventure, john malkovich, leonardo dicaprio, dvd, gerard depardieu, france, gabriel byrne, this is a classic movie, the acting is off the chart. I didn’t like the ending. It’s a guy movie, so get your pop corn, sit back and enjoy.
5. M. A. Burk says:

   August 26, 2009 at 12:00 am

   I can’t explain it (I’m not a tween-aged girl) but I truly, deeply love this film, especially the last half hour. It’s not a great film, it’s not even a pretty good film, as a film critic would evaluate it, but there’s just something about it. Most of the cast is really good; even Leonardo isn’t all that bad. As to it being “true to the book”–it’s not, so deal with it.