2/27/09
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Who best performs the "To be or not to be" soliloquy?
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I enjoyed the movie and especially how Olivier stayed true to Shakespeare. However, I didn't really like how Olivier broke the wooing of Anne into two parts. It lessened the impact of Richard and skips over how devoid of human emotion he is that he will try and seduce a women while her husband lays there dead. All in all I enjoyed the movie.
ReplyDeleteI also thought the way the wooing of Anne was done was peculiar. I thought it was far more effective as it was done in Ian McKellan's version, showing Richard is completely shameless.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Javier about the wooing scene. Oliver's version was a lot different than Richard's version of richard III.
ReplyDeleteI think breaking up the wooing scene doesn't do justice to Richard's evil. If it's broken up it's like she's had time to think about it and get over the deaths of her husband and father, but when Richard woos her all at once it just shows how skilled he is, even if his skills are in evil. Other than that though, I think Olivier does a lot to emphasize how evil Richard is. For instance, Olivier plays a lot with shadow and as a culture we associate darkness with evil. Seeing Richard with his long dark hair and his scowl framed by shadow emphasizes his evil qualities. Also, the way that Olivier switches the father's dead body for the husband's dead body in the wooing scene (which is also what happens in the Ian McKellen version) emphasizes how evil he is. Of course it's awful to woo Anne over either dead body, but making it the body of the husband just makes it that much more evil.
ReplyDeleteRichard creeped me out in this film. Overall though it was pretty good. I feel like the scene where he woos Anne was interesting because I feel like she falls in love so fast and forgets so quickly what he has done. If I were her I would have taken that sword and killed him!
ReplyDeleteOlivier did some really great acting in his adaption of Shakespeare's play. His clear character choices (lower center of gravity, limping, HUGE nose, clear operatives, changing pitch) really made him seem menacing and believable. His diction was also very clear, though as some times he may have spoken a little too fast, which is not uncommon for Shakespeare actors.
ReplyDeleteI very much disagree with Brianne. Having the wooing scene broken up into two scenes doesn't make the fact that Richard has coaxed a woman, who's husband he killed, into agreeing to marry him any less impressive. The break up of the scene allows it the idea that a Anne would agree to marry the man that killed her husband more believable. Also it allows Olivier to end the scene with the pair in the bedroom, this gives more of a feeling of dedication to their union.
ReplyDeleteThe scene in which Richard lays out his initial plan to the audience was extremely powerful in this film because of the symbols that were used to represent power. As Richard gives his speech about assuming many faces, the crown is floating behind his head in such a way that it foreshadows Richard’s need for power. Lady Anne chooses to spit on Richard on multiple occasions, but the intent behind her action changes from one spit to another. At first, she sees Richard as a villain, but after being sweet talked by his suave words, Lady Anne is not able to hate Richard the way she used to. The crown is definitely the most symbolic figure throughout this film. It continues to appear throughout the film, even at the end when Richard loses the crown and it is kicked into the bush. This symbolizes his loss of power and the fall of his kingdom.
ReplyDeleteI was also disappointed that Olivier split the wooing scene into two. In the book, keeping it short made Richard seem more interested in Lady Anne and it more of an obstacle to achieve wooing her. In the movie he was more interested in power. Splitting the scenes into two sections elongates the period of time that Richard has to make advances towards Anne. Richard has the time to wear her down with his continuous advances.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the movie I was a little dissapointed on how Lady Annes character was portrayed. Her husband just dies and her husbands killer is trying to woo her and at first, she doesnt give him a chance, but then Richard successfully woos Lady Anne and she is left in the arms of her husbands killer. What a love triangle...
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with Brianne, breaking up the wooing scene, did really add something extra to perceived demeanor of Richard. I really loved the two scenes altogether, even after the first one, you can already see lady Anne start to fall for him ever so slightly even though she has just denounced everything that will or would ever touch him.
ReplyDeleteI actually thought the characters were well chosen in this film. I thought overall they were very strong; especially Olivier as Richard who seemed so "into" his character. And as for the love plot, i have to agree with MBA, Lady Anne was a sucker for giving into the one who killed her husband.
ReplyDeleteLaurence is tremendous, a weird poisonous portrait of a super rogue whose dark designs is briefly acknowledged. More important to the character, is the studiousness with which Laurence builds up tension within him as his mischief’s and crimes accumulate. Laurence has got some of the most memorable lines to deliver. “My horse, my horse, my kingdom for a horse”, “Now is the winter of our discontent...” But as a whole, the story is great, straight out of Shakespeare, with its flowery language and rapid fire dialogue.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to see Olivier's version of Richard. Olivier seemed perfect for the role and his monologues were entertaining. Olivier just looks evil, and I think it really comes out in the film. The film was also easy to watch with the bright colors and the large sets.
ReplyDeleteIn Olivier's version of Richard III, a different kind of evil is portrayed. He explores a new definition evil when he causes other people in the film and the audience to pity him because of his physical deformity. I believe this was the origin of his malevolence in the film. Stopping at nothing to achieve his reprehensible goals.
ReplyDeleteI agree with zacho. Olivier fitted the role of Richard very well. He always seemed to be watching what was going on as he would narrate for the audience. It's because of this that he knows what each character is doing throughout the play.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say i enjoyed this film more than the other richard the third because i had more of a sense of what was going on... I think if we were to watch this movie first then the second richard it would have been better due to the date in which the films were created. The contrast between the movies made it interesting to the audience and I still find it interesting how you change a movie set up after one other movie has already been created from Shakespeare.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Jennifer. I loved how Olivier stayed true to shakespeare especially after hearing the reasons behind it. I also thought Ann fell in love with him too fast after what he had done. I enjoyed the watching the film because it was entertaining. It seemed like Olivier is the only person right for the role.
ReplyDeleteThe movie was a great way to use today's modern day vilans. The incorporation of Hitler was excellent. There were many little hints that played out throughout the movie but they all just made you smirk as you are able to understand the true evil Richard the third possessed through his short reign.Over all the movie gave a great visual of evilness I believe Shakespeare had in mind while writing the play.
ReplyDeleteHilary Ingram said...
ReplyDeleteThis whole entire play really was just disturbing and I think that the movie did a great job at portraying just how disturbing the play really was. I think that all the characters did a really great job and that Ian McKellan did especially amazing as Richard. The ending scene was pretty good too with all the visual effects.
I was and still am a great admirer of Laurence Olivier. I first saw his film of Richard 111 on TV in the early 60's. I became an instant admirer of his and that film really introduced me to the classics especially Shakespeare. I recently brought on DVD Richard 111 with Olivier and I still find Laurence Olivier's perormance as brilliant now as I did then, he really made the part his own I have seen other actors play the part but in my opinion none came up to Olivier's performance he really captured the persona of Richard as Shakespeare wrote it. The pathos that Olivier put into his acting was brilliant I think. I like especially the way in which Olivier enriched it with a certain amount of humour and his Richard was almost feminine at times. And that high pitched vocal address regarding his voice who can forget that. And he directed and produced the film as well, he really knew his onions I think and the brilliant cast he also got together Claire Bloom, Ralph Richardson, John Gielgud, etc all classical trained actors. Well done Larry it is a pity you aren't with us anymore.
ReplyDeleteI found this play to be really gruesome but it nailed the theme to the tip. Since this play is suppose to be disturbing Olivier did a wonderful job portraying it in the movie. The best part of the movie is when anne falls in love instantly and then falls out of love so quickly.
ReplyDeleteThis is yet another disturbing film but yet is was a perfect display of the play written by Shakespeare. Oliver fit the role of Richard perfectly and made the play seem so real. However I still do not understand how all of those women feel for such a horrible man!!!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated the job that Oliver did on this movie. Shakespeare would be proud. Oliver did a really good job of showing the classic side of Shakespeare's words. I also have to agree with Chelsey, it just don't make sense to me why women would fall for such a bad man.
ReplyDeleteThis disturbing film did the job. I felt that it kept to the script really well. I have to agree that Ann fell in love with him too fast after what he had done. But it's her decision to be with him.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe the story of Richard III. He is an evil man yet some how uses his manipulation to get his way. Just because he is deformed he gets whatever he wants and that is his excuse for being a villain. Well obviously if you have a physical deformity you should automatically be a villain. Richard definitely got what he deserved in the end of the movie. I do not believe people like that should have good outcomes for their evil ways. Because Richard was such a horrible person the film needed to be grueling to really capture the essence of Richard. He was not a decent human being. He was ruthless and that is what the film demonstrated.
ReplyDeleteI thought this adaptation of Richard III was fabulous. Watching Ian McKellan playing the horribly twisted Richard was a chilling experience. I remember the scene where he is seeing his brother Clarance off at the docks, then turning to the audience and telling us how he's going to murder him! All with that evil smile on his face. That was frightening!
ReplyDelete-GMW
This had to be the most interesting and intriguing Shakespeare movie I've seen. The actor that played Richard did a sensational job and really made this movie what it is.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis movie mYstified me.The way that richard was pertrayed was amazing
ReplyDeleteI also thought the way the wooing of Anne was done was strange because I feel like she falls in love so fast and forgets so quickly what he has done. I would imagine if any one did those kind of things, no one would fall in love that quickly
ReplyDeleteI was very interested in the role of Richard, he showed this very tough exterior, but on the inside he was a coward and weak minded. He loved abusing his authority and power for evil, and exhibited behaviors that implied superiorority or even immortality in a sense. In reality this effeted his subconscious tremendously and became "haunted" with these thoughts and dreams of what he had done.
ReplyDeleteThe Film was truly enjoyable, Oliver definatly took the essence of the play and used it to his advantage. Great film
ReplyDeleteWell after watching this film, I also find this film to very disturbing. It was a very intense great film. The film had my attention through out the whole entire play. I felt that Oliver did a very good job by having this film taking place in the 1930's. I felt that with all of these kind of wants and need from an individual was perfect time frame due to the historical events that took place in the 30's. It was a very well directed film. Also I felt that it was very easily to fallow along with, which for me is very important.
ReplyDeleteWhen the wooing of Anne is taking place, I found it strange how she could fall in love. She was impressed, but I personally would have been so extremely unimpressed. Regardless though, this play was good and fun to watch and pretty easy to follow.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I thought that the Richard III with Ian McKellen was a better rendition of Richard III than this one, but the content and quality in Oliver's version was clearly there. Overall, I loved the plot and passion of the actors (Richard) in this one, but it was a little too old-fashioned and hard to understand for my taste.
ReplyDelete-Jordan Williams
Ian McKellen was a perfect choice for this role. I was amazed at how well he fit the part and the feel of his acting. The film was filled with murder and I was surprised at the amazing ability for Richard to convince people into doing what he wanted. No wonder he had made such a name for himself...until he lost it.
ReplyDeleteJR
I didnt really get into this movie as much as i thought i would. I liked the battle scene at the end of the film, but most of the movie was really slow to me. However one character that I liked in the film was obviously Richard who is the protagonist in the movie. he also is the most influential and courageous character I have seen yet in a shakespeare movie.
ReplyDeleteThis film was so different than the other shakespeare films I've seen. This movie seemed to have pure evil being portrayed in it throughout every scene and dialogue. The most unerving parts about this movie were when Richard would speak directly to the camera in some of his monologue. Some of those speeches I felt really uncomfortable listening to his acts to be performed on his family and friends.
ReplyDeletei particularly enjoyed this film and thought it was a better modernization of shakespeare then Romeo and Juliet by luhrmann. The movie plays upon my own prejudice against political power plays and yet does give Richard some room to be a sympathetic character.
ReplyDeleteI thought the film was very entertaining and a great modern spin on shakespeare. The modern context of the play was based on the World War, while still keeping the shakespearian tone to it. I expected Richard to be more confident of a character rather than sly in the movie, I had a hard time hearing him having a backbone to his words and phrases.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that the symbol for Richard was a pig. The pig was shown many times throughout the movie and I think that the pig was a symbol of Richard's character. He was a pig in the way that he tried to woo multiple women. He was very evil and not a pleasant character.
ReplyDeleteI found that other than the setting than the fact that the movie took place ina different erra, Oliver's film stayed true to Shakespeare and all of the original themes to Shakespeare's play. Personaly, this movie (and play)was far too dark for my likings. However my favorite thing about this film is that Oliver used the 1930's to allow the core themes of the play to become more universal.
ReplyDeleteIf Richard was a psycho murderer rapist-looking guy then yeah, Ian Mckellen played an outstanding Richard III.
ReplyDeleteOut of all of the films I've watched in my Shakespeare in film class, this has to be my favorite one. I found the Richard to be the most interesting character out of all the films due to his madness and lust to be king. I also found the 1930's Europe setting very understandable, and thought it depicted the story very well.
ReplyDeletethis film by far was my favorite one that we watched in this class. I thought it was really entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I think the reason why i liked this film so much was because of the time period it was set in (WWII), which made it easier to connect with. Also, the tyrant in the film was very similar to other figures in our society, mainly Hitler, which is why i think i found this film so interesting.
ReplyDeleteI thought that Olivier's performance was one of the best I have seen in any Shakespeare film. He did such a great job acting that it it made me despise his character more than in the play. He played the part with a very creepy and sinister touch that is sure to frighten every person who watches this film. Another thing I particularly liked about Olivier's performance was his on stage presence. Every time he recited his lines, he did so with a grand presence. His arms were constantly moving to emphasize each point he was trying to make. I had never seen anything by or with Olivier before, but after watching this film I am quite impressed.
ReplyDeleteI thought that Olivier's performance was outstanding for this film. Richard III is supposed to be an evil and sneaky character and that is what Olivier perfects. His acting made the audience dislike the character and he also depicted the personality very well.
ReplyDeleteOlivier gave an outstanding performance, a huge contrast than his character Gandolf in Lord of the Rings. His evil and eerie personality was defanitley shown through this play. From his wooing of Anne to the all the secretive steps he had taken to rise to power. The most disturbing part to me was when his nephew he planned on killing jumped on his deformed back, angering him and turning him into a ugly hog. I believe this to be symbolic.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great movie and I really enjoyed the way they tied in all the Nazi-like propaganda stuff in with Richard’s spiral out of control. I think Ian McKellen played the part very well and was very convincing in the way he almost regretted what he’d been doing by the end of the film. I liked the way the film ended with Richard falling into the fire and just laughing like a mad man.
ReplyDeleteI like how the movie started in a modern setting and transitioned into an older setting as the film progressed. The main character Henry was out of control and extremely creepy. How can someone have SO many people murdered? And still get away with it? Why did everyone want him to be their leader? The music in the film really helped to intensify the mood of each scene when Henry would be yelling or speaking very fast.
ReplyDelete