Abhorson
Money Lender
A stroke of the brush does not guarantee art from the bristles
Posts: 14
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Post by Abhorson on May 11, 2002 6:46:47 GMT -5
I noticed this film was on offer locally, but I understand it takes some liberties with with the original. Its it worth buying? or should I stay away from it?
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Post by Harry on May 11, 2002 9:42:30 GMT -5
I haven't seen it, but I've heard good things about it. It re-imagines Richard as a 20th century fascist dictator.
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Post by shaxper on May 11, 2002 12:37:11 GMT -5
It just happens to be my favorite film interpretation of a Shakespeare play. I highly recommend it. It really captures the fun and style of Richard. Some of the directing decisions are simply amazing and/or simply hilarious, and Ian McKellan is simply an amazing actor. If you want to know more about it, I have a longer rant here: boarshead.proboards9.com/index.cgi?board=theatre&action=display&num=1019951151I strongly suggest seeing it. Even folks who don't know Shakespeare would appreciate the delightfully sinister mischief of this film.
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Post by Ganymede on May 15, 2002 20:50:42 GMT -5
I agree with shaxper. It's a must-see! Incredibly hilarious and yet very dark. And Ian McKellen just rules!
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Juliet
Denizen
There's many a man hath more hair than wit.
Posts: 53
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Post by Juliet on Jun 25, 2002 0:48:34 GMT -5
Yeah, it's really a great version. Not my favorite, but creative and very intelligent. I suppose my favorite part is the genius contrast of adding in Henry and Elizabeth's marriage, and then contrast the waking Richard with his stiff servant on the day of the battle with Henry waking entwined in his gorgeous young wife's arms. Although Elizabeth did seem a leetle young....The stuff with the toy trains being derailed by Richard and then the real trains was neat, too. (Hopefully you'll know what I'm talking about here, those of you who've seen it...)
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending, though, with Richard plunging into the flames. It's disturbing, which is good, but I found it unexpected. I thought there would be that happy Elizabethan ending, Henry triumphant...it was not to be...
~Juliet~
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Post by shaxper on Jun 25, 2002 9:45:42 GMT -5
I liked the ending, mostly because it is Richard's play, and while politics forced Shakespeare to make the end belong to the saintly (and therefore boring) Henry Tudor, Loncraine gave the final moment to Richard, embracing the damnation for which even he knew he was destined. <-------Could you tell that I love this film?
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