Unveiled on Arte: The Discovered Monarch
In the upcoming British production, "The Lost King," set to air on August 1st at 8:15 PM on Arte, Sally Hawkins portrays Philippa Langley, a character based on a real person who led the search that resulted in the discovery of King Richard III's remains beneath a parking lot in Leicester, England, in 2012.
Langley, an amateur historian in the film, becomes obsessed with finding the lost remains of King Richard III after a theater visit. Her character is depicted as being 45 years old and stuck in a limbo between youth and old age, with a difficult personal life, including strained relationships at home and a stagnant career.
Hawkins' performance as Langley is described as heartwarming and absurd. Notable moments include her thin smile while asking for books on Richard III and her explanation to the Leicester City Council. Her character's determination and resilience shine through, making for a captivating portrayal.
The film is directed by Stephen Frears, who is known for his successful film "Philomena" (2013), and the script is written by Steve Coogan, who also stars in the film. "The Lost King" is a follow-up to "Philomena," and it shares similar themes of historical mystery and personal journey.
"The Lost King" provides answers to questions such as why the lost remains of Richard III might be under a parking lot and why the academic world would believe a hobby archaeologist. The film is an unlikely mix of drama, midlife crisis, marital story, archaeological thriller, and surreal comedy.
The film also touches on the broader historical narrative surrounding Richard III, especially the mystery of the Princes in the Tower—Edward V and his younger brother Richard, Duke of York—who disappeared after Richard III seized the throne. Traditionally, Richard III has been villainized, including in Shakespeare’s portrayal of him as a scheming hunchback who allegedly murdered his nephews to secure the crown. However, recent interpretations and the work by Langley suggest reconsideration of this narrative, with some proposing that the princes might have survived or the conventional story has been shaped by victorious factions rewriting history.
In essence, the real events behind the film center on Langley’s unyielding quest that led to the remarkable archaeological discovery, which transformed historical understanding of Richard III and challenged long-held myths of his reign and legacy. The film dramatizes both the archaeological quest and the historical debates that surround Richard III and the Princes in the Tower.
Movies-and-tv enthusiasts should mark their calendars for August 1st, as Arte will air "The Lost King" at 8:15 PM, showcasing Sally Hawkins' captivating portrayal of the real-life amateur historian Philippa Langley.Langley's character in the film is depicted as being obsessed with uncovering the lost remains of King Richard III, lovingly referred to as 'entertainment' for history buffs.
