Synopsis
The story of an idealist's rise to power in the world of Louisiana politics and the corruption that leads to his ultimate downfall. Based on the 1946 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel written by Robert Penn Warren, loosely based on the story of real-life politician Huey Long.
Votre Filmothèque
Cast
- Sean PennWillie Stark
- Jude LawJack Burden
- Anthony HopkinsJudge Irwin
- Kate WinsletAnne Stanton
- Mark RuffaloAdam Stanton
- Patricia ClarksonSadie Burke
- James GandolfiniTiny Duffy
- Jackie Earle HaleyRoderick "Sugar Boy" Ellis
- Kathy BakerMrs. Burden
- Talia BalsamLucy Stark
Recommandations
- 70
Time
You can, if you will, think of All the King's Men as a purely political parable, but that is to miss its blackest, bleakest meanings. - 50
ReelViews
Those familiar with the novel will undoubtedly agree that reading it is a more satisfying experience than watching this disappointing film. One expects more - much more, in fact - with a cast of this caliber. - 50
The Hollywood Reporter
Audience can certainly find entertainment in this movie, so long as no one takes things too seriously. One suspects, however, that Zaillian and a vast team of producers and executive producers that includes political consultant and pundit James Carville believe they are making a serious commentary on American politics. It comes closer to kitsch. - 42
Entertainment Weekly
Writer-director Steven Zaillian's version stultifies, especially when compared with Robert Rossen's fiery 1949 Oscar winner. How could such dullness defeat the retelling, when Willie Stark is one of the most vivid characters in 20th-century American popular culture? - 40
Variety
Overstuffed and fatally miscast, All the King's Men never comes to life. - 40
New York Magazine (Vulture)
As Willie Stark, Sean Penn demonstrates how a great Method actor can make the world’s most unconvincing rabble-rouser. - 40
Village Voice
Penn goes for larger-than-life, wrapping his pinched frown around an unintelligible Louisiana drawl and swinging his arms like an autistic evangelist... Law is no asset--looking rather sadly like John Ireland (the actor who played the 1949 Jack Burden), he has little control over his accent and zero energy. - 30
L.A. Weekly
I'd take almost any colorful-character shtick over the gloomy gravitas that settles over All the King's Men early on and never leaves.
