Production:
Hallmark Entertainment & Flying Freehold

Distributed by:
TNT Network

Producers:
Patrick Stewart
Wendy Neuss-Stewart
Robert Halmi Sr.

Director:
Ulrich Edel -
King of Texas (2002), Body of Evidence (1993) The Mists of Avalon

Script by:
Stephen Harrigan

Cast:
Patrick Stewart
Marcia Gay Harden
Lauren Holly
Roy Scheider
Colm Meaney
Patrick Bergin
David Alan Grier
Stephen Bauer
Matt Letscher
Julie Cox

Synopsis:
In King of Texas, Shakespeare's classic tale of the King of Britain is updated to 1840s Texas. John Lear (Stewart), a wealthy, megalomaniac rancher, challenges his three daughters to prove their loyalty in order to claim their inheritance. When his youngest daughter Claudia (Cox), refuses to take the challenge, Lear disowns her, unwittingly causing his own downfall.

Airdates on TNT:
Sunday, June 2nd @ 8pm(ET)
Sunday, June 2nd @ 10pm(ET)
Monday, June 3rd @ 12am(ET)
Thursday, June 6th @ 9pm(ET)
Thursday, June 6th @ 11pm(ET)
Sunday, June 9th @ 1:30pm(ET)
Saturday, June 15th @ 3:15pm(ET)
Sunday, June 16th @ 10:30am(ET)

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KING OF TEXAS:
To watch or not to watch?

KING OF TEXAS star Patrick Stewart is proud, for this film project was one of those fleeting ideas he had briefly pitched to producer and dean of literary adaptation Robert Halmi, Sr. (Dinotopia, Moby Dick, Don Quixote, Crime and Punishment) over a glass of wine. Shortly thereafter the deal was sealed, which undoubtedly was followed by more wine, perhaps as a celebratory toast. Then that was likely followed by more toasts and more wine. And after reviewing this movie I have no doubt whatsoever it is the resulting effects of all that wine-drinking that is to blame for this project ever getting the green-light and the big bucks commitment.

Simply put, KING OF TEXAS is TNTs best entry everthat is, when it comes to killing the Western in film.

Loosely based on Shakespeares KING LEAR, the play is updated to 1840s Texas in this dark and lackluster script penned by the otherwise talented Texas historian and Spur Award-winning author Stephen Harrigan. (Should you care to learn more about the particulars of the plot please refer to the information provided in the sidebar on the left.)

Apparently Patrick Stewart (best known for his role as Captain Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation) thought the The Bards classic tale would translate well as a "western." On the surface, not an unreasonable assumption. Unfortunately the attempt, valiant as it was, produced nothing more than a quirky combination of unbelievable and unlikeable characters who stumble around in an unreal setting, propped up by a time-warp damaged plot. It almost seems as if, perhaps while suffering under the euphoric agony of wine-induced inspiration, Stewart and his fellow producing partners failed to realize they hadnt an inkling when it comes to knowing what it takes to make a true Western. (Although in the case of Halmi, who also produced Lonesome Dove, his legendary instinct for recognizing quality entertainment must've succumbed to the schmooze factor.)  Which begs the question: Why is it so many in the film industry assume making a Western is a no-brainer?

Better yet, why does the TNT Network think viewers will accept this movie as a Western? Because of the great period costumes? Or is it because of all the pretty horses? Im fairly certain it couldnt possibly have anything to do with the Texas landscape because in this moviewhich by the way is yet another filmed in Canadathe cinematographer nearly outright ignored it. Go figure.  KING OF TEXAS director Ulrich Edel (Purgatory, The Mists of Avalon) proves here he is definitely far removed from the same talent league as Simon Wincer (Lonesome Dove, Crossfire Trail, Quigley Down Under). ...Simon!  Where are you?  Help, the genre needs you!

Sorry to say the classic quality of a CROSSFIRE TRAIL or CONAGHER this movie does not have, folks. KING OF TEXAS is not a Western; it is experimental melodramatic theater at best. But Ill bet you a dollar to a donut this baby will end up winning some kind of award simply because it is presented under the guise of "a Western."  With such little competition within the genre these days its no wonder quality film projects are few and far between. After all, why go through all the hassle of making a damn good Western when a mediocre one will do?

However, if you can dismiss the technical errors, and if you can get past the cameras unnatural obsession with capturing the lingering looks of the female characters, and if you can overlook the fact that most of the players appear uncomfortable with their lines and awkward in their roles, there are a few enjoyable performances to be found here. Marcia Gay Harden as Lears oldest daughter, Susannah, has that special quality few actresses within the genre have shown. It would be a treat to see Harden again, cast in a real Western. Another strong plus to the cast is comedian David Alan Grier. Without his bright presence this vicious drama would be unbearably dismal.

Thing is, I can think of at least 20 good, original Western novels that should have been brought to screen by now instead of this unstable, rehashed imposter they have thrown to us as a bone. But well have to dream on, because what it all boils down to is that when it comes to making movies, its not what you knowits who you know.

That's just the way it is. It's a connections game, although for the sake and future of the genre it really shouldn't be that way. When setting out to make a great Western film, the intent should first begin with the Soul Rule: The mystique of the Western is something that, in and of itself, must be wholly experienced by those who film them. That is to say, not simply experiencing it through their five senses but also by being captured by it, owned by ithead, heart and soul. When that happens the end product translates perfectly and becomes a magical piece of art on film that is as freeing and as vast and unique as the landscape of the West itself, a true Western experience eagerly embraced by all.

Unfortunately KING OF TEXAS doesnt make the cut.

Copyright ©2002 Taylor Fogarty.  All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in any form not permitted.