The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)

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 Amazon.com

 Man In The Comic Mask
I must not have watched the same movie that others have. I found the movie laughable. Bad dialog, bad acting, and just plain silly. I have seen other versions of this story that are far better than this one. I have never thought much of DiCillio's acting abilities, and this movie only reinforces that opinion. Just awful. Waste of time. April 12, 2008

 Not the best swordfight movie, but one of the better ones
Few authors' resume has spawned as many big screen adaptations as Alexander Dumas, the French writer of long-winded adventure tales. The most famous adaptations have been of the 3, sometimes 4, musketeers. This one from the late 1990's is probably the most balanced and well written one. The movie stars a cast from numerous countries, including veterans such as Jeremy Irons, Gerard Depardieu and John Malkovich. The key to the movie is Leo DiCaprio, who plays identical twins; one good and one bad, and Leo does a good job of portraying both.

The movie itself is best described as a drama. There is action, but it does not dominate the movie. There is some comedy, but only in a couple of scenes. The only substantial romance is a sideplot between the King's mother and one of the musketeers. As a story, it is quite believable and is not made to be a glorification of the musketeers. Instead, it is a good historical epic with heavy emphasis on good storytelling, good dialogue, and the occasional twist and turn. Worth the time to watch it. March 30, 2008

 A decent drama
This is by no means historically accurate but as a movie, it works. The actors all do a fine job portaying the famous characters, especially Gabriel Byrne. But really, with the cast that includes John Malkovich, Jeremy Irons and Leonardo Dicaprio, you really can't go wrong. I thought it was a tad long, but didn't really drag. Also, it doesn't really follow the historic novel, from what I can recall, so if you are looking for accuracy, look somewhere else. Otherwise, you can be entertained by it as is. February 6, 2008

 The man in the iron mask movie
I saw this movie on T.V. I have watched it numerous times.I liked it so much I ordered it. Now I can watch it any time I want. It is a fantastic, interesting movie January 28, 2008

 HALLOWEEN COMES EARLY
Oh my, this is bad. Historically, the story is way off. Trust me. Richelieu and Mazarin, the real powers behind the French throne in this era, aren't even mentioned. The uprisings in Paris at this time were called the Fronde, an attempt by the nobles to win back lost power, not bread rioting which would take place nearly 150 years later. I could go on and on. Biographically, the script makes a mockery of the famous Dumas novel. Period! The likelihood of having an actor of Swedish-Italian/German stock playing the rising "Sun King" of the 17th century has all the odds of a true Elvis sighting. Poor Leo might try portraying Leif Erikson next time.Nobody in the picture speaks French. Several minor characters have accents, but it's basically "California, here we come". Some of the costumes, especially at the ball, are alluring, but this isn't Gene Kelly's "An American in Paris" circa 1950.This release is easily Leo's weakest acting performance, one that he'll hopefully never repeat.I suspect that the high ratings are merely a reaction to "Titanic", votes of sexual attraction over true substance. They'd better be. The world is full of those who make it, then break it. January 23, 2008

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