Shown: October 15, 2023 at 6pm
Director : Richard Loncraine
Country : UK
Release Date : 1995
Duration : 104 mins
Language : English
Subtitles : No
WINNER : SILVER BEAR FOR BEST DIRECTOR AT 1996 BERLIN FILM FESTIVAL
WINNER : BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN & BEST COSTUME DESIGN AT 1997 BAFTAS
This re-imagining of Shakespeare’s ‘Crookback King’ relocates the story to the 1930s and features an indelible star turn for Ian McKellen as the monstrous and magnetic King Richard III. A murderous lust for the British throne sees Richard descend into madness. He aspires to a fascist dictatorship, but must first remove the obstacles to his ascension – among them his brother (Nigel Hawthorne), his nephews and his brother’s wife (Annette Bening). When the Duke of Buckingham (Jim Broadbent) deserts him, Richard’s plans are compromised. Also starring Maggie Smith, Kristin Scott Thomas, Dominic West and Robert Downey Jr. Hugely entertaining.
“With a screenplay (co-written by McKellen) that crackles and spits like a roasting pig, it was clearly as much of a blast to make as it is to watch.” (Ali Catterall – Total Film)