Robert Penn Warren’s 1946 novel is the basis for the original 1949 film “All the King’s Men” as well as the recent remake by the same name.

The story tells of the rise and fall of a man-of-the-people, Willie Stark, turned corrupt-politician once elected governor of Louisiana.

The newest version of this classic story features an ensemble cast of award-nominated and award-winning stars including a handful of Americans (Sean Penn, James Gandolfini and Patricia Clarkson) as well as a handful of Brits (Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Anthony Hopkins).

Penn’s novel won the Pulitzer Prize in 1947 for his compelling and multi-layered tale. Robert Rossen’s 1949 film was nominated for seven Oscars in 1950 and won three, including Best Picture. It’s hard to know what compelled adapter-director Steven Zaillian to take on this particular story, other than to assume he was hoping for an easy Oscar win. I don’t think that will be happening for Zaillian or his cast.

What should have been an interesting and complex look at morality, power and corruption instead was boring, confusing and flat.

Penn’s portrayal of Stark ignores the likable sensibilities that the literary character possessed, making him appealing to the working class who elected him. Rather, Penn’s character barks, with arms flailing, an unvarying spiel to every constituent who comes to hear his campaign platform. His attempt, and I can only call it an attempt, at a Louisiana accent is so abysmal that I could only catch about half of what he said throughout the film.

Law’s portrayal of a newspaperman turned right hand man to the self proclaimed king Stark is boring. His expositional voice-overs may have been appropriate for the novel, but come across as long-winded and self-indulgent in this film. But at least I was able to understand what he was saying, I guess that’s something.

Hopkins, while possibly the most interesting character of the film, and Winslet seem to make no effort to present themselves as natives of the southern state. While I’d rather listen to their natural voices than poor attempts at a southern accent, I’d rather see actors who at least try to make you believe they fit into the film’s location.

Halfway through the film I considered taking a nap, seriously! If you are interested in two-plus hours of film in which great actors waste their talent yelling, droning or simply fading into the background, as Clarkson does, then by all means, go see “All the King’s Men.” Otherwise, I suggest picking up a copy of Warren’s novel or Rossen’s original adaptation, now available on DVD.

*1/2

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