La putain du roi

In all FAIRNESS, more than likely, Mr. Dalton accepted this project because it started out as an interesting character study of a King with an Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder. And how said disorder can lead a person into becoming a stalker, peeping-tom, and lusting after a woman who refuses to have anything to do with him other than "friendship". However, he does become a more nurturing care-giver than Florence Nightingale, and Sister Kenny combined AFTER the object of affection/obsession contracts SMALLPOX!

I truly believe that this flick was supposed to be a real bodice ripper. Y'know, sexcapades in Period Costume, but, then, somehow, it took a diversionary track to "make a statement" about devotion and how "we" are used by those we love and how "we" use those who love us.

Waffling between "historical mock-u-drama" and bodice ripper, loaded down with a female lead that gives no more emotionally than a 2x4 plank of lumber, it's no wonder that Mr. Dalton started chewing on the scenery! Mr. Dalton's talent is too good to be wasted in this dreck!

In summary, if you love Mr. Dalton's work, you'll find SOMETHING redeemable in this film, (I did even though I'll never get the time I spent watching it back!). Otherwise, rent JANE EYRE, or A LION IN WINTER.

This movie was simply long and drawn out. Its plot was extremely shaky and the acting was less then exceptional. Basically it is about a King who in his wise decision-making decides to take on a lady(who he falls in love with). The lady was supposed to be wed to someone else, so things get messed up. The movie goes through their lives and shows the final end. I would not bother seeing it though, I almost fell asleep.

I have no idea how on earth I missed this film. It threatens to become a new favourite Timothy Dalton appearance. Simply put, this 1990 gem is one of the best movies I've seen about the power of true love. What an epic example of acting magnificence from Timothy Dalton! With another 7 years of acting under his belt after Jane Eyre, his portrayal of the King is authentic, magnetic, deep, raw, with hints of Jane's Eyre's Rochester only more powerful. He makes no mis-steps in this piece, plus he has a sword and oh boy can he use it! So if you're a fan of Timothy Dalton, find this film and enjoy the treat. And if you're not a fan, you are about to discover a top performance by one of the finest actors of our time. You're welcome.

Timothy Dalton does it again! As I become a bigger fan of his I am amazed at the depth and emotion he lends to his characters. This movie has some plot weaknesses which I cannot decide if would be corrected by less or more film. Bravo to Timothy Dalton. His range of emotion is fantastic. Even when not speaking he conveys so much as when Jeanne finally comes to him. Dalton also continues to show off his sword prowess with a very complex scene near the end. Worth seeing!

The storyline of the King's Mistress may seem like your basic Barbara Cartland novel but this is not the case with this movie. It is a bit difficult to watch since it is a foreign film for the most part but the actors do a fine job and if you stay with it the story line becomes a bit surprising. If you can find it, give it a watch. And if you are expecting to lust after Dalton when you see him in that wig, forget it, he's a somewhat pitiful bad-guy in this movie and you'll end up feeling sorry for the character and again aware of what a fine actor Dalton really is. (I had to buy this movie on e-bay so you may have to look for it!)