by Jon Partridge
The themes explored my Shakespeare are eternal. Love, loss, ambition, betrayal. They persist through generation after generation. His plays have been adapted with varying success. The ones that make a mark often put a novel twist on the story and feature a memorable performance. None are more memorable than Sir Ian McKellan as Richard III.
Set in the 1930s, Richard III is set in an alternate Britain, where a Civil War is brought to an end by the assassination of the King. The new Monarch, Edward seeks to rule and with his three children hold the throne for years to come. But he is unaware of the ambition of his younger brother Richard (McKellan) who through marriage, manipulation, murder and eventual madness, seeks to take the Crown for himself and rule.
In McKellan’s own words, “When you put this amazing old story in a believable modern setting, it will hopefully raise the hair on the back of your neck, and you won’t be able to dismiss it as ‘just a movie’ or, indeed, as ‘just old-fashioned Shakespeare’.” He was right, there is no aspect of Richard III that can be dismissed.
This interpretation of the Bard’s work comes from an early 90s stage production for the Royal National Theater in which McKellan took the title role. With its success, he sought to help adapt it for the big screen. The language remains (mostly) unchanged but a fresh spin is put on the tale, transferring it from old England to an alternate time, where England exists as a fascist state, a perfect platform for a tale of intrigue, betrayal and power. The film shows off the UK, locations used in surprising ways. Inspiration is drawn from the Third Reich to adorn the familiar British sights and (certain) people giving the film a familiar but uneasy feel.
The figure of Richard looms large in the production and Ian McKellan utterly excels in taking on one of the greatest villains in literature. Stalking his prey throughout the film, driven by ambition and exuding a unsettling but seductive aura, McKellen also brings in elements of vulnerability and paranoia. Rewatching again it strikes home how influential this character and even this performance has been on other villainous turns, fans of House of Cards may feel well at home with such Machiavellian plots and intrigue encircling such a nefarious character as this Richard III.
In addition to McKellan there are a host of supporting actors who put their own stamp on the proceedings too, including Annette Benning, Robert Downey Jr., Kristin Scott Thomas, Nigel Hawthore and Jim Broadbent. A number of these are stage actors, others big screen names. A fitting approach, much like the production itself which marries these two elements beautifully. Each put their own spin on the preserved language, great performances, dripping with wit, danger and meaning. If your memory of Shakespeare is dusty old books, this production blows those memories away. Something incredible for fans of the Bard and something that will change the opinion of anyone in doubt of his talent.
THE PACKAGE
The image quality of the transfer is solid. Relatively clean with no artifacts. Deep colors, the splashes of red vibrant against the prevailing grey palette and great detail, an important quality with so much of the film resting on those intimate closeups and facial expressions.
Special features are limited with only an isolated (and wonderful) musical score track by composer Trevor Jones and the original theatrical trailer. The traditional Twilight Time booklet is as ever a nice addition. With how involved McKellen was with this project, from stage to film, it is a real shame there was no contribution from him, a commentary would have been most welcome.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Shakespeare has provided some of the greatest tales in literature, Richard III is one of the finest and this is is amongst the very best interpretations of his work. A compelling story married to a wonderful cast, fascinating setting and rooted in a performance for the ages from McKellan. A true example of how wonderfully film and literature can combine.
Richard III is available NOW from Twilight Time in a limited release of 3000 Units.