Movie Review: Chimes at Midnight (1965)

This is almost more of an interpretation of Shakespeare than it is an adaptation, but I suppose if you’re going to make a movie based around Falstaff — who’s featured in three plays — then that makes sense. Occupying the larger than like role of Sir John Falstaff is none other than Orson Welles, who also directs and writes.

And he is more than up to the task. Working with one of the smallest budgets of his directorial career, Welles has crafted an incredibly engaging movie with a truly unique perspective on its protagonist. While most people view Falstaff as Shakespeare’s greatest comic invention, Welles sees the tragic humanity there, and he brings that to the forefront.

It’s not as funny as you might expect because Falstaff ordinarily is hilarious. But Welles does a great job with the drama.

This is truly a fantastic film with a unique perspective. Welles is a fantastic filmmaker and actor.

Rating: 9/10