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King Lear
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Beautiful performances, but low budget
Review date: 2008-10-14 Rating: 10 out of 10
If you are looking for amazing special effects, then this isn't the one for you. Unsurprisingly, throught the film there is an intense feeling of a tight budget. However, with the performances inside, it hardly matters.
I had the fortune to see this while it was at the New London Theatre. None of the magic created by the actors is lost in the film - Romola Garai (Cordelia) is stunning, Frances Barber (Goneril) is absolutely wonderful with perfect timing and a voice to match, Monica Dolan and William Gaunt (Regan and Gloucester) are brilliant, but the shining lights are Sylvester McCoy and Ian McKellen, as the Fool and Lear. McCoy plays a hilarious, spoon-playing fool, and there is a great sympathy towards the character, making his fall incredibly tragic. And McKellen is pitch perfect. His performance as the great King is the definitive version.
There are many more visually stunning versions of this on film, but performance wise, it doesn't get better. I'm inclined to say that if you're studying the text in class, it's probably the best bet. It's very close to the stage production, and isn't inhibited or enhanced by large sets or costumes.
Similar Products
- King Lear
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Reviews
Stellar Cast and Incredible Production!
Review date: 2008-10-03 Rating: 10 out of 10
I was fortunate to see the RSC's stage production of "King Lear" twice during it's World Tour stop in Minneapolis and Ian McKellan was impressive to say the least. His command of the role kept me on the edge of my seat. I was also impressed with the performances of Frances Barber, Romola Garai and Sylvester McCoy, all of whom held their own very well when on-stage with McKellan. Having this production preserved on DVD is a real treat. My only disappointment is they didn't also record "The Seagull", which used most of the same cast and was running with "King Lear" in repertoire.
Stunning Performances
Review date: 2008-09-16 Rating: 10 out of 10
"King Lear" is called the 'Everest' every Shakespearean actor must climb to be labelled 'great'. Here, award-winning director Trevor Nunn and the legendary Ian McKellen have produced a "Lear" which has enraptured audiences worldwide. Nunn's vital, thrilling interpretation of Shakespeare's vivid tragedy elicits a stunning performance from McKellen and a supporting cast which includes Frances Barber, William Gaunt and Sylvester McCoy. After a world tour that included Melbourne, Los Angeles and New York, this production finished to sell-out performances in the West End before going straight to Pinewood Studios for this special recording.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Frances Barber
Ian McKellan
Sylvester McKoy
Romola Garai
Creators:
Ian McKellan (Primary Contributor)
Frances Barber (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Metrodome
Manufacturer: Metrodome
EAN: 5055002554230
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-10-06
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 172 minutes
Language: English (Unknown)