Robert Pattinson often takes risks with the roles he takes. His eccentric performance as the scheming French dictator, the Dauphin, in David Michod’s Shakespearean epic “The King” could easily have fallen flat. The film focuses on the trials that a young leader goes through as he adjusts to the realities of war. Any comic relief could have been distracting. However, Pattinson creates an unusual character who is both hilarious and detestable. Pattinson adds a unique energy to a film in which the rest of the cast is grim and serious the entire time.
Based on Shakespeare’s ” Henry IV, Part 1,” “Henry IV, Part 2,” and “Henry V,” “The King” is set during the war between England and France in the 15th century. Prince Hal of Wales (Timothée Chalamet) is more interested in partying with his mentor John Falstaff (Joel Edgerton) than he is being a ruler. However, Hal is forced to assume the throne of England when his father, Henry V (Ben Mendelsohn), suddenly passes away. Hal’s guards thwart an assassination attempt shortly after his coronation. They discover that the assassin was sent by King Charles VI of France (Thibault de Montalembert).
Already seeking vengeance on the Dauphin, who embarrassed him with an insulting gift during his coronation, Hal decides to declare war on France. Pattinson chews the scenery as the haughty prince. While he spends most of his time thinking of creative insults, the Dauphin is still a remorseless military leader.