A Man for All Seasons - Movie Review Example

A man for all season is a drama film that is biographical. The title of the film is a reflection of the portrayal of Bolt's playwright as being a man who is true to his principles, a man of conscience. The play depicts Bolts adherence to religion at all times and circumstances. The title of the film was gotten from Robert Whittington by Bolt. The play features the years 1529 to 1535 which was the period of King Henry VIII. The Common Man narrates the play and as well as takes up the role of the lower-class characters. The common man plays as a boatman, steward, and a prologue. Bolt uses the Common Man to illustrate the central themes of the play and as well as to help in emphasizing the major characters features.

One of the roles that the Common Man plays in the film is creating the connection between the actors and the audience. Despite him being an ordinary person he can draw the attention of the audience, and this helps in enhancing understanding. The Common Man tends to act the identity of different characters. This greatly helps in the development of the story and the plot as well despite those characters having parts that are short. The common man being the only character who speaks directly to the audience is very important as it makes the audience to feel part of the play. For example, he directly speaks to the audience directly when the audience sees More, and he tells them That is Sir Thomas More. It makes the audience to feel more enjoyed as they feel part of the production as compared to just watching any other television film or drama. This is evident when Bolt says that The purpose of the Common man is not to push the audience away from the play but rather to draw them into the play.

The common man plays the role of helping the audience to be in a position of better understanding the development of the Church of England. Despite most people having more information regarding g the history of the church the commentary of the common man enhances a better understanding. The common plays the role of different characters, and hence he is used as a scene changer by Bolt. This is evident in the first scene when he is giving his proposition. The common man while giving his proposition he starts by saying The Sixteenth Century is the century of the common man like all other centuries. Through this statement, he stipulates the importance of a common man. The common man plays the role of re-visioning the events that take place between King Henry VIII and More. He acts more like a Greek Chorus which help the audience to have a better understanding of the existing tensions.

The common man plays the role of symbolism. He is used to acting as a symbol of an ordinary man in the real world. The common man takes the path which is easy and common. There were very few men of the integrity of More during his time and which reflects the modern time whereby they are still few. In his actions and appearance The Common Man is different, but in reality, he is just ordinary. This is evident when he acts in many common places such as acting as the boatman, as the headsman, as jury foreman and also as Mores steward.

In conclusion, the Common Man plays a great role. Bolt uses the alienation technique on The Common Man so that he can help act as the link between the audience and the play through ensuring that he directly communicates to them. The Common Man is the only character who is given a chance to interact with the audience directly. He plays the role of representing what is common to all of us. Through this, the common man provokes the reactions of the audience. The common man plays the different roles so that his credentials can be established as a mouthpiece for humanity.

Works Cited

Notes on Robert Bolt's a Man for All Seasons. Methuen, 1982.