Among Ridley Scott’s many historical films, Kingdom of Heaven stands out as one of the most overlooked gems. Despite boasting a stellar cast featuring Orlando Bloom and Eva Green, it often fails to garner the recognition it deserves.
During the mid-2000s, Orlando Bloom was at the peak of his fame when he took on the role of Balian, a reluctant blacksmith thrust into the brutal reality of the Crusades in Jerusalem.
Why did King Baldwin wear a mask in ‘Kingdom of Heaven?’
While the film could have easily fallen into the trap of anti-Islamic rhetoric given its Christian protagonist amidst a backdrop of war against Muslims, Ridley Scott’s deft direction handles the subject matter with sensitivity and nuance. Instead of portraying a simplistic narrative of Christian triumph, the film portrays the Christian defeat at the hands of Muslims, delves into the complexities of Saladin’s character, and presents the Knights Templar in a morally ambiguous light.
Although Kingdom of Heaven is undeniably fictionalized, it is grounded in historical figures of the time, including King Baldwin and his sister Sibylla, played by Edward Norton and Eva Green, respectively. Balian’s romantic entanglement with Sibylla may take artistic liberties, but King Baldwin’s portrayal remains closer to historical reality, down to his affliction with leprosy.
King Baldwin’s struggle with leprosy is a central aspect of his depiction in the film, symbolizing the internal and external turmoil within the kingdom during his reign from 1174 to 1185. The use of an ornate mask to conceal his disfigurement adds a layer of poignancy to his character, reflecting the societal stigma and political implications of his illness.
Baldwin’s leprosy exacerbated the unrest within the kingdom, casting doubt on his ability to rule and sparking succession disputes. With no heirs of his own, Baldwin’s leprosy left the throne vulnerable to power-hungry opportunists like Sibylla’s husband, Guy de Lusignan, played by Marton Csokas. Ultimately, Baldwin’s young nephew, Baldwin V, succeeded him after his death, but the political turmoil within the kingdom proved inconsequential in the face of Saladin’s decisive victory over the Christian ruling class.
Ridley Scott’s decision to include the mask as a fictional element in King Baldwin’s portrayal speaks to his commitment to storytelling and his ability to evoke powerful performances from his actors. Edward Norton’s nuanced portrayal of Baldwin resonates deeply, contributing to the film’s enduring appreciation, particularly in its Director’s Cut, which is widely regarded as the definitive version of the film.