martin-fennell A biopic that is different than usual/ How much of it is true, and how much invented by screenwriters, I have no idea. What makes it different is the absence of romance. Also when Handel turns to writing the messiah, he actually does write, and for more than a few minutes. The only real criticism, i have is that the religious visions could have been left out. In the title role, Wilfred Lawson is excellent

bkoganbing One thing Winston Churchill and Adolph Hitler had in common was their belief in the power of film as a medium. Hitler had Joe Goebbels cranking out propaganda films for the morale and Churchill gave generously to the British film industry for certain films he deemed important. One of them was Laurence Olivier's Henry V and another was J. Arthur Rank's production of The Great Mr. Handel.For those who don't remember their history the United Kingdom at the point our story begins was ruled by George I of Hanover who spoke no English, but was the closest unquestioning Protestant heir. George was Duke of Hanover and held a nice chunk of German real estate in the middle of that then geographical expression called Germany. A lot of Germans were able to emigrate to Great Britain to seek their fortune and composer George Fridrich Handel was one of them.George I dies and George II whose native tongue was still German was now king. But his lack of English and boorish conduct in general like his father didn't near and endear him to many. His son however Frederick the Prince Of Wales had his own following.Most of this film is taken up with a rather stupid quarrel that Handel has with the prince and Frederick's attempts to ruin him artistically. Back then artists of all kinds depended on the patrimony of the wealthy and getting out of favor with royalty was not something the wealthy wanted. And Handel was an irascible stubborn guy who was not about to kowtow to anyone even for his art.Wilfrid Lawson plays Handel and Max Kirby the Prince of Wales. Elizabeth Allan is the actress/singer Mrs. Cibber who sang much of Handel's work. It's interesting to compare Lawson's Handel with another film about Handel where Trevor Howard plays the German expatriate composer from his deathbed as he reminisces about some focal points of his life. I think Howard caught the man a lot better, his raspy voices was made to play curmudgeons.Still classical music fans will like this film.

John Oliver Handel's Messiah has been a favorite of millions of people for centuries. It has been sung and performed all over the globe, especially during the Christmas and Easter seasons.This movie tells the story behind the writing of that masterpiece. The first two thirds sets the context of the man and his struggles. Then most of last third is spent showing what it may have been like to compose that immortal work of art.At the end there was a short segment of the grand performance of the Hallelujah Chorus.Out of personal hardships and illness came this amazing work that has endured. A few other people played a huge role in bringing this to past.There is an indication of how his personal fellowship with God influenced him during this creative process.Plus the period costumes and antique like sets give a beautiful visual history lesson.

Ana_Banana This movie seems to sum up the dull, pompous Victorian view on Handel. It focuses on his premiere of "The Messiah" (Dublin, 1742), with all the virtuous clichés that have transformed for a while that masterpiece and the untamed Handel in a sort of propagandistic stuff. In war-time, it was understandable England's desire for something stimulating and "British". Ironically enough, Handel was a German, remember? Why didn't they represent him more vigorous, irascible, jolly and enthusiastic (this was also one of his faces, especially while dealing with music, I suppose)? Who knows... Such castrated and didactic views are repelling young people from the great music and the great figures of the past. Too bad. The leading actor was so melancholic all the time!