Is history about personalities or politics? That seems to be the headache posed by director Mike Barker in this curious historical drama. Judging by the stories surrounding the production, that question was the least of his worries.

Plagued by financial problems (this is one of the few films ever to have gone bankrupt twice during the course of production), it's a wonder that the film ever emerged from the editing room intact.

Taking place in an England ruined by years of Civil War between the Cavaliers and Roundheads, "To Kill a King" charts the stormy relationship between Lord General Thomas Fairfax (Dougray Scott) and his loyal but ruthless deputy Oliver Cromwell (Tim Roth).

Having defeated the forces of King Charles I (Rupert Everett), Fairfax and Cromwell aim to rebuild their ruined England. But Cromwell's plans are far more radical than those of his superior.

A film of political intrigue, friendship, and muted male love, this is a strange blend of the exciting and tiresome.

Lacking the budget for extras-dominated battle sequences, the real action here takes place in darkened back rooms and whispered conversations between like-minded men. It's a claustrophobic film, in which all the conflicts are fought with words and wit, not weapons or warriors.

Coasting along on the talent of its performers - Olivia Williams as Lady Anne Fairfax is spectacular, while Scott's cautious performance is trampled over by Roth and Everett's overblown grandstanding - "To Kill a King" never manages to break out of the restrictions of its exposition-heavy script.

There are some great scenes (particularly those involving Roth's intrigue against the man he both loves and hates), but also far too many unintentionally hilarious moments (a Blackadder-ish duet of "Hey Nonny No" between Williams and Everett) that threaten to depose the film's serious intent before it has even begun to rule.

"To Kill a King" is released in UK cinemas on Friday 16th May 2003.