The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)

The three Musketeers: Aramis (Jeremy Irons), Athos (John Malkovich) and Porthos (Gerard Depardieu) have moved on. D'Artagnan (Gabriel Byrne) remains in the employe of tyrannical King Louis (Leonard DiCaprio) with much chagrin. The young king wields his power for his own good and vices--not for his kingdom. After the death of Athos' son at the hands of the jealous king, the Musketeers reunite to usurp the king and replace him with his benevolent twin brother.

The Man in the Iron Mask is not a true rendering of Alexander Dumas' novel, however, it is great fun. The period film is lavish with costuming and other detail, but it's smart casting that makes the film. The likes of Irons, Byrne, Depardieu, Malkovich--these heavyweights play with a marked nimbleness that brings credence to a fluffy story. Leonard DiCaprio is young and stiff here, but supported well in the ensemble cast. It's fun to see Peter Sarsgaard and Hugh Laurie pop up in small roles.

Writer/director Randall Wallace pulls from great source material to create a fresh, continuing story of the famed trio. The film doesn't take itself seriously, but unfolds with conviction.

As I see it, The Man in the Iron Mask is memorable period entertainment. It makes a stuffy novel approachable and perhaps more inviting.