“The Ruling Class” is a satirical film that exposes the absurdities of British aristocracy. A schizophrenic earl believes himself to be Jesus and inherits his family’s estate, causing chaos in the conservative society. The movie is a witty critique of class, religion, and politics, using humor as its weapon. It’s a surreal and eccentric ride through power and madness.
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Review
The Ruling Class: A Hilarious and Thought-Provoking Movie
If you’re a fan of classic comedies that also pack a punch, then you’ll definitely want to check out The Ruling Class. This 1972 movie is directed by Peter Medak and stars Peter O’Toole in one of his most memorable performances.
The story follows Jack Gurney, the 14th Earl of Gurney, who inherits his family’s fortune and title after his father’s death. The problem is that Jack is a paranoid schizophrenic who believes he is Jesus Christ. His behavior causes chaos among his family, who are trying to get him to renounce his claim to the fortune so they can take over.
The movie satirizes British aristocracy and the way it upholds class divisions. Jack’s behavior challenges the idea of what it means to be sane, rational, and fit for ruling. With irreverent humor and biting remarks on social norms, The Ruling Class cleverly subverts the expectations of what you’d expect from an aristocratic comedy.
As Robert Cialdini would put it, The Ruling Class uses persuasion tactics such as consistency principle, social proof, scarcity principle, and liking principle to engage its viewers. For instance, consistency principle refers to the idea that people like to be consistent in their beliefs and actions. In the movie, Jack embodies this principle as he remains steadfast in claiming he is Jesus even when confronted with counter-evidence.
Social proof comes into play when we see how other characters react to Jack’s behavior. Some embrace it as a refreshing change while others try to suppress it by any means necessary. This dynamic creates tension and humor that keeps us invested in the plot.
The scarcity principle is evident in how Jack’s inheritance becomes a coveted prize for his family members who are competing for power. Meanwhile, Jack himself lacks basic amenities such as food and shelter due to his delusions. This creates a sense of irony and absurdity that highlights the flaws of the aristocracy.
Lastly, The Ruling Class uses the liking principle in how it portrays Jack as a likable and sympathetic character despite his quirks. We root for him to find happiness and acceptance, even if he has to defy societal norms to achieve it.
The movie also features a stellar cast that includes Alastair Sim, Arthur Lowe, Nigel Green, and Cyril Cusack. Each actor brings their unique comedic talent to the screen, creating a delightful ensemble that adds depth to the story.
One of the most memorable scenes in The Ruling Class is when Jack performs a rock opera titled “I’m Jesus Christ” in front of his family and associates. It’s a bizarre spectacle that showcases Peter O’Toole’s acting range as he switches from charismatic singer to messiah-like figure in seconds. The scene is both hilarious and haunting, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
The Ruling Class was not without its controversies upon release. Some criticized it for its portrayal of mental illness and others found it too irreverent towards British traditions. However, over time, it has gained recognition as a cult classic that stands out for its subversiveness and dark humor.
In terms of awards and critical reception, The Ruling Class received two Oscar nominations for Best Actor (Peter O’Toole) and Best Original Song Score or Adaptation Score. While it didn’t win either award, it has since become one of Peter O’Toole’s most iconic roles.
Overall, The Ruling Class is an engaging and creative movie that challenges our assumptions about power dynamics and societal norms. With an excellent cast, memorable scenes, and biting satire, it’s worth watching for anyone who enjoys classic comedies with an edge.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 154
- Release : 1972-09-13
- Genre : Comedy, Drama
- Cast : Peter O’Toole as Jack 14th Earl of Gurney, Alastair Sim as Bishop Lampton, Arthur Lowe as Tucker, Harry Andrews as 13th Earl of Gurney, Coral Browne as Lady Claire Gurney
- Crew : Ray Lovejoy as Editor, Peter Murton as Production Design, Charles E. Parker as Makeup Designer, Jack Hawkins as Producer, Maude Spector as Casting
- Popularity 7.221
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Keep Films
- Summary : When the Earl of Gurney dies in a cross-dressing accident, his schizophrenic son, Jack, inherits the Gurney estate. Jack is not the average nobleman; he sings and dances across the estate and thinks he is Jesus reincarnated. Believing that Jack is mentally unfit to own the estate, the Gurney family plots to steal Jack’s inheritance. As their outrageous schemes fail, the family strives to cure Jack of his bizarre behavior, with disastrous results.
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