In this episode, we compare two film versions of Richard III: Laurence Olivier’s 1955 film and Richard Loncraine’s 1995 film starring Ian McKellen, which was based on the Richard Eyre stage production. This is the first of a several-part discussion on these two films. Here, we discuss our first impressions of the two films and the differences between the two interpretations of Richard and what’s driving him.
Minutes
00:00–2:00 Introductions
2:00–7:35 First impressions
7:35–16:30 The differences between the two Richards and what’s driving them
16:30–19:53 Hitler imagery in the Ian McKellen Richard III and why the film is set in the 1930s
19:53–20:37 Outro
Credits
Host: Alex Heeney (@bwestcineaste)
Guests: Kevin Condardo (@FearStrikesOut, @NoHoldsBardCast), Mary Angela Rowe (@lapsedvictorian)
Sound recordist and editor: Cam White (@JediDusk)
Resources
Read Ian McKellen’s introduction to his screenplay for Richard III here.
Check out Kevin Condardo’s Shakespeare podcast, No Holds Bard, which he co-hosts with Dan Beaulieu who appeared on our Twelfth Night episoes. Listen to full episodes of No Holds Bard online here. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter @NoHoldsBardCast.
Listen to part 2 of our discussion on Richard III on Lady Anne.
Listen to part 3 of our discussion on Richard III focusing on Buckingham.
Listen to part 4 of our discussion on Richard III about beginnings and endings.