In modern films, the talent of actors and the plot is often hidden behind special effects and computer graphics. All the more valuable are the pictures taken twenty years ago. A vivid example is the drama “The Man in the Iron Mask”, whose actors brought us to the Middle Ages.
Plot
The work of director Randall Wallace seems to be a mosaic, because the plot of the film was partially borrowed from the works of Alexander Dumas. Its main characters are well known to fans of the writer's work. These are the three legendary musketeers: Porthos, Aramis and Athos, whose company is, of course, d'Artagnan.
When you see the film, you can see for yourself how great the actors looked together. “The Man in the Iron Mask” (photo of individual scenes of the film you can see in the article) captivated the audience at first sight, even though there are a lot of historical inconsistencies in it.
Many years have passed after the adventures of the musketeers, and today everyone has found a job to their liking. The French throne belongs to Louis XIV - a selfish and cruel ruler, extremely passionate about women and entertainment. D'Artagnan became the captain of the personal guard under the king, Porthos contains a brothel, Aramis found himself in religion. And Athos has an adult son Raul, who is engaged to a charming Christina. Unfortunately, Louis XIV paid attention to the girl and was very disappointed with the refusal. The king decides to get rid of the opponent and sends him to certain death.
Raoul dies, and a heartbroken father is about to take revenge, but d'Artagnan gets in his way. Then Athos conspires with Porthos and Aramis to free the Iron Mask from imprisonment of the king. It turns out to be Philip - the twin brother of Louis XIV. The musketeers want to replace the ruler, but they encounter many obstacles.
Young talent
Talented actors became the real team in the film - “The Man in the Iron Mask” united Hollywood stars. So, at the time of filming, the performer of the role of Philip and Louis - Leonardo DiCaprio - was known throughout the world.
His path to the cinema began very early. At 2.5 years old, little Leonardo managed to perform in a children's TV show, and at the age of 14 he chose the profession of an actor. The first nominations for the Oscars and Golden Globes DiCaprio received in 1993. Four years later, the legendary “Titanic” was released, which brought the young artist crazy popularity. Thanks to the role of Jack Dawson, Leonardo was on the list of Hollywood stars with big fees.
After the Titanic
After success, DiCaprio did not lack proposals. The actors of the film “The Man in the Iron Mask” worked perfectly with the 24-year-old artist.
Leonardo immediately got two characters whose characters were opposite. The confusion and uncertainty of Philip, the authority and narcissism of Louis - a wonderful actor once again managed to surprise us with his game.
Leonardo DiCaprio is a talented actor whose career has had dozens of amazing movie roles. It is all the more surprising that after a large number of nominations for the Oscars, he managed to get the coveted statuette only in 2016.
Gerard Depardieu
Even more famous than the young Leo, there were other actors. “A man in an iron mask” is impossible, according to the audience, without the ingenious Gerard Depardieu, who played the role of Porthos.
Interestingly, the career of a famous citizen of France, Russia and Belgium began completely by accident. In childhood, Depardieu was not law abiding, he was engaged in theft, prostitution, had problems with the police. He traveled a lot and once, at the invitation of a friend, he ended up in Paris, where he found his calling. Gerard became the best student in his class, and two years later he played the first role in the movie.
As for Porthos, Depardieu perfectly showed this character, passionate about women and wine.
A little sentimental, funny and ridiculous, reckless and brave Porthos performed by the French artist was remembered by the audience in the film “The Man in the Iron Mask”. Actors and roles, according to reviews, were well chosen, but, however, they still differed from book characters.
John Malkovich
Athos - a mentor for other musketeers, he again unites Porthos and Aramis, who are ready to avenge the death of young Raul. In these scenes of the film, the actors again shocked the audience. “The Man in the Iron Mask” allowed to enjoy the talent of the American John Malkovich as Athos, although this role was somewhat unexpected for him.
Malkovich's debut in the theater took place in 1978, and for seven years the actor took part in several dozen productions. In 1984, he performed on Broadway and starred in films almost simultaneously. His first work “Places in the Heart” brought a nomination for a prestigious award.
The image of the musketeer tired of the adventures, who devoted all his time to raising his son, was a great success for the actor.
D'Artagnan and Aramis
The Americans Malkovich and DiCaprio, the Frenchman Gerard Depardieu - the actors of “The Man in the Iron Mask” began their careers in different parts of the world. Irish Gabriel Byrne and Englishman Jeremy Irons perfectly fit into this motley and very talented company.
Gabriel Byrne showed the audience d'Artagnan - a devoted musketeer. Even after the twin is discovered, he remains faithful to the cruel king to the last. This is incredibly difficult, because Louis and Philip, as it turns out, are his sons. In the end, d'Artagnan has to make a very difficult choice.
Aramis, the character of Oscar-winning Jeremy Irons, also caused a lot of excellent reviews.
The actor began his career in the London theater troupe and on television. He starred in films with such stars as Ornella Muti, Patricia Kaas and Meryl Streep, and in 1997 he played the role of Humbert in the film adaptation of “Lolita”.