Richard III Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: Richard III
Director: Laurence Olivier
Year: 1955
Country: UK
Language: England

While Henry V is often regarded as Sir Laurence Olivier's best Shakespearean adaptation, mainly because of the political reasons surrounding World War II, I've often though of Richard III as his best work. Before seeing Richard Loncraine's Richard III I would have said that Olivier's version is the best adaptation outside of Akira Kurosawa's masterpieces. Though it isn't as great, Olivier's version still gives me chills each time I watch it.

Richard's (Laurence Olivier) military skills have helped to put his older brother Edward (Cedrik Hardwicke) on the throne of England. But jealousy and resentment cause Richard to seek the crown for himself, and he conceives a lengthy and carefully calculated plan using deception, manipulation, and outright murder to achieve his goal. His plotting soon has tumultuous consequences, both for himself and for England.

Richard III was the world's greatest stage villain, Sir Laurence Olivier was the greatest stage actor, William Shakespere was the world's greatest stage writer, so what happens when these three mix in a cinematic bond? Gold, pure gold. "Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this son of York"Olivier says, looming toward the camera as a creepy deformed monster. He delivers his dialouge with such bitterness and power. His glare penetrates our soul, we realize that this is no ordinary man with ordinary morals, but a beast who will do whatever it takes to rise to the top. It's so chilling that we can't help but watch his plot unfold.

The other actors in this film play their parts quite also. Olivier did want Orson Welles to be in this film but I think that Welles' great acting might have actually overshadowed Olivier's and thus not make Richard III the center of attention. The costumes are quite beautiful and fit perfectly with the time period. The lighting and cinematography greatly assist in the overall mood of the film, and help in creating Richard III into a cold and calculating character.

In conclusion, Sir Laurence Olivier's Richard III is brilliantly made. It seems to be very truthful to the text and setting of Shakespeare's play which works for it and against it. Ultimately I enjoyed Loncraine's adaptation more due to the creativity involved in setting the film in an Orwellian 1930's England. As for acting it is difficult to say whether Olivier or McKellen plays the villain better as they both play him differently. Regardless, this us a great film by one of the greatest actor/directors who ever lived. Praise it! 5/5