Watch George III: The Genius of the Mad King

George III: The Genius of the Mad King is a 2017 feature-length documentary film directed by Lucie Donahue. The documentary is a close examination of the life of King George III of Great Britain, a monarch who is infamous for his intermittent bouts of madness that affected his reign between 1760 and 1820. The film explores the personal, political and philosophical aspects of George III's life, and provides a nuanced portrayal of the man who was widely considered one of the most controversial figures of British history.

The documentary examines the king's early years, showing how he was trained from a young age to be an independent, conscientious monarch. It delves into his family background, his upbringing and his early political experiences, providing a portrait of a man who was determined to be a good king but who felt overwhelmed by the demands of the office. The film also looks at his marriage to Queen Charlotte, which was a loving and supportive one, and his role as a family man.

The narrative highlights the madness that gripped him in his fourth decade of life, examining the early signs of the disorder that ultimately defined his reign. It details the various attempts to treat his illness, describing the polarising political reactions to his condition that ranged from sympathy to condemnation. The film also investigates his reaction to the challenges that faced Britain during his reign, including the American Revolution, the rise of Napoleon and the emergence of industrialisation in Britain.

One of the standout aspects of the documentary is the way it presents George III as a surprisingly insightful and forward-thinking monarch. For instance, he was an early advocate for the abolition of slavery and the promotion of religious tolerance. The film explores his intellectual curiosity and artistic sensibility by showing his passion for science, literature and art. It also depicts his role as a patron of the arts, highlighting his impact on the cultural life of Britain.

The film is packed with insights from numerous experts, historians and biographers who share their perspectives on George III and his reign. Key interviews are featured with Robert Hardman, Simon Callow, and Sian Thomas who portray key figures of King George III's life, including Dr Francis Willis, the 'mad doctor' who treated him, Lord North, and also Queen Charlotte.

The film is beautifully-made, using a variety of techniques to bring George III's story to life. It features stunning cinematography of historic locations, period music and artwork, as well as dramatic reenactments of crucial events. The visual presentation of the film is compelling and helps to immerse the audience in the fascinating world of 18th century Britain.

Overall, George III: The Genius of the Mad King is a must-see for anyone interested in British history, the monarchy and the human condition. The film provides a fresh and engaging perspective on George III, showing him to be a complex figure who deserves to be remembered for more than just his madness. It is a well-researched and insightful tribute to a man who is often misunderstood and underestimated. The film shines a light on the strengths and weaknesses of George III, portraying him as a complicated and fascinating human being who left an indelible imprint on British history.

George III: The Genius of the Mad King is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.