‘Chimes at Midnight’: Orson Welles Transforms Shakespeare Into a Classic War Movie Masterpiece
Orson Welles’ creation of ‘Citizen Kane’, widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, is often seen as both a triumph and a burden for his later works. The acclaim that followed ‘Citizen Kane’ set an extremely high bar, overshadowing many of Welles’ subsequent projects. Although his debut film brought him considerable fame and opportunity, it’s a shame to define him solely by that one achievement, as he had a rich career across multiple genres after the iconic film. Among his notable works is *Chimes at Midnight*, a unique take on Shakespeare’s plays that presents a fresh narrative perspective.
Welles was well-acquainted with Shakespeare’s works, having acted in and directed adaptations of ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Othello’. His approach to Shakespeare was not just about faithful recitations but about infusing the material with his creative vision. ‘Chimes at Midnight’ merges several of Shakespeare’s plays into a single, cohesive story, offering a new view of familiar tales.
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The film adapts elements from the ‘Henriad’ plays—’ Henry IV Part 1’, ‘Henry IV Part 2’, ‘Richard II’, ‘Henry V’, and ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’—and reshapes them into a streamlined narrative. Unlike previous adaptations that focused on the relationship between King Henry IV and his son, Prince Hal, Welles’ version centres on Falstaff, the comical yet tragic knight. Far from a mere ego extension, Welles’ portrayal of Falstaff as a central character provides a deeper look at a figure often relegated to the sidelines.
In ‘Chimes at Midnight’, Falstaff is depicted not just as a comic figure but as a tragic hero, witnessing the harsh transformation of England through the wars. The film explores Hal’s evolution from a reckless youth to a battle-hardened leader, with Falstaff serving as a sympathetic observer and surrogate father. The battle scenes in the film are intense and realistic, focusing more on personal skirmishes than grand battlefield spectacles. Welles critiques the glorification of warfare and highlights its brutal reality, reflecting on how violence perpetuates itself.
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‘Chimes at Midnight’ also excels in its visual storytelling, showcasing England’s landscapes and battlefields in a way that stage productions cannot. The film depicts Hal’s loss of innocence and the broader impact of his actions on the nation, making Falstaff’s role in the story even more poignant. The film’s final scene, where Hal rejects Falstaff, stands out as one of Welles’ most emotionally powerful moments.
Welles’ connection to Falstaff adds depth to ‘Chimes at Midnight’. His biographer noted parallels between Welles and Falstaff, with both experiencing financial struggles and personal conflicts. Welles’ portrayal of Falstaff reflects his complexities and struggles, making the film a deeply personal project for him, even more so than some of his other acclaimed works. Through Shakespeare’s words, Welles found a way to address his battles.
–Farheen Ali
