Richard III

Adaptations of Shakespeare`s plays are usually either straight up or excessively abstract. Richard Loncraine`s version of Richard III finds a very absorbing middle ground. Switching back and forth between the 1480s and 1930s, it explores the idea of how fascism might have come about in England. The story, despite these structural and stylistic aberrations, remains entirely faithful, much to the credit of Ian McKellen`s sinister portrayal of the title role, of a man who consumes everyone along his path to power. The fascist juxtapositions help revitalize the play with new contextual meanings.

 

Released theatrically in New York City December 29, 1995. The film grossed $2.6 million domestically. A Bayly/ParT co-production. Developed in association with Red Rooster Pictures. Color by Technicolor. Additional cast: Edward Jewesbury (King Henry), Matthew Groom (Young Prince), Kate Steavenson-Payne (Princess Elizabeth), Tres Hanley (Air Hostess), Dennis Lill (Lord Mayor), Ryan Gilmore (George Stanley), Andy Rashleigh (Jailer), Marco Williamson (Prince of Wales), Bruce Purchase (City Gentleman) and David Antrobus (2nd Subaltern). Additional credits: Christopher Marlowe (song lyricist, "Come Be My Love"); The Vile Bodies (song performers, "Come Be My Love"); Julian Spencer, Nick Hobbs, Mark Henson, Jonathan Cohen, Steve Griffin, Steve Street, Mark Lisbon, Paul Heaseman, Gary Powell and Dave Cronnelly (stunts); Grainne Marmion (production executive); Erica Bensly (production co-ordinator); Charles Hubbard (location manager); Ken Holt (unit manager); Ken Tuohy, Mark Layton, Neil Tuohy and Todd Austin (assistant directors); Maria Apodiacos (script supervisor); Usa Lisa Beach (casting consultant); Peter Taylor (camera operator); Peter Bloor (chief lighting technician); Philip Bothamley (sound editor); William Parnell (dialogue editor); Colin Good (song arranger, "Come Be My Love"); Kirsty Whalley (music recorder and mixer); Paul Golding (music recorder and mixer); Phil Todd (saxophone and flute solo); Matthew Holben (visual effects producer); and Alex Bailey (stills). Richard Loncraine was co-winner of the Silver Bear for best director (with Yim Ho, for "The Sun Has Ears") at the 46th Berlin Intl. Film Festival. The film is based on the stage production of William Shakespeare's play "Richard III" by Richard Eyre. Rated BBFC 15 by the British Board of Film Classification.

This updating of Shakespeare's classic history sets the tale in a stark version of 1930's Europe and features Sir Ian McKellen as the titular ruthless malcontent out to wrest control of the throne of England from any who would oppose him. Academy Award Nominations: 2, including Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.

This unique adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Richard III" switches the story's setting from the 1480s to the 1930s and imagines what a fascist coup in England might have been like. Despite the change in milieu, the story remains the same. The malformed, evil Richard III wants to gain control of the throne and brutally kills anyone who gets in his way -- including the members of his royal family. Among Richard's victims are his overly-trusting brother, Clarence, and Queen Elizabeth's brother, Rivers. And their murders are just the beginning of Richard's devious plan to gain power. The film's many offbeat touches include Richard giving his famous "winter of our discontent" speech as a public political address, and uttering his classic line "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" when his jeep gets stuck in mud.