FINALLY saw the 1995 film version of Richard III with Ian McKellan and I LOVED it. Visuals were fantastic, acting was amazing (gotta love those let's-stuff-all-the-good-british-actors-into-one-movie films, particularly when that means seeing good character/comedic actors doing dramatic parts), and I thought the setting was intriguing.
My issues with it were these:
1. The house of York is the WHITE rose. What the crap is up with all the red? Okay, I know, it's that "Nazi England" look, and it works, but I was still annoyed.
2. They take out Queen Margaret and give her lines to the Duchess of York. WTF? The beauty of the Duchess's last scene is that you don't know what happens to her- that she's all destroyed with grief and just leaves. Don't put her on to a plane to France and turn her into the totally bitter old woman- she's a sweet elderly lady who tells her son off, not a hateful old hag! Though that did improve the "oh, poor Richard!" effect... maybe too much. Kindof oversimplifies his motivations, doesn't it? Otherwise loved the duchess character, of course. FAVORITE PART EVER.
3. The elder prince is supposed to be a strong character- he's the one person who sees through his uncle! That's one of the best parts of the play! Don't make him into a terrified and pompous pipsqueak of a tween. NOT OKAY.
Nerd rage over, returning to fan person mode.
I felt I should have been sad that Richmond's final speech disappeared, but I'm ashamed to say I didn't miss it. It's Richard III! The only person we want monologues from is Richard! Well, at least in a movie. On stage I'd prefer that be left in, thank you kindly.
Usually tragedies make me sad, but Richard III just makes me happy. The language, the characters, the melodramatic angst... *sigh* It's my absolute favorite of Shakespeare's plays.
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