All The King's Men

All The King's Men, 1949
Directed by Robert Rossen
Nominated for 7 Oscars, Won 3
Wins Include: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, we have the story of the rise and fall of a politician. We are told the story through the eyes of Jack Burden, a journalist, who is told to go over to Kanoma County to cover a man named Willie Stark. He's running for County Treasurer, but people are also saying he's an honest man. He doesn't end up winning the race, but Jack takes a liking to him all the same. In a few years, Stark is making a name for himself. First as a lawyer, and then he runs for governor. At first, he is convinced to run by some other politicians who are hoping to split the vote so another candidate will win. And while he does indeed, lose, he goes on to run again in a few years (and easily wins), but has changed. He is no longer quite the honest man he used to be.

I'm sorry, but this movie was quite dull. The acting was fine, and the premise was, at least, semi-interesting. But it was not overly interesting and dragged itself out.

I'm really not sure what more to say about this besides that it was dull. I mean, this isn't nearly as boring or mediocre as other films I've seen before, but it was still nothing special.

John Ireland was great as Jack. It's actually pretty uncanny that Jude Law played him in Zaillian's 2006 adaptation, because they look quite similar. However, he did a solid job as the reporter Jack. As well, Broderick Crawford was great as Willie Stark. The transition between characters is believable and he plays both the honest man and the corrupt one so well. Mercedes McCambridge was also fun as Sadie, the wise-cracking assistant.

However, the rest of the film was quite lacking besides the acting, and I'm not really sure what else to add but just give my overall rating.

Acting- 8.5/10 

Directing- 7.5/10 
Screenplay- 7/10 

Visuals- 7/10 

Music- 7/10 

Emotional Connection- 5/10 

Entertainment- 5/10 

Rewatchability- 3/10 

Overall Enjoyment- 5.5/10 

Overall Package- 6.5/10       

Total: 62/100