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Product Description
By popular demand, Trevor Nunn brings the 2007 stage-to-screen high definitiion presentation of the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of King Lear.
Review
***** - a superlative performance from Ian McKellan --The Times
McKellan is arguably the finest living interpretor of Shakespeare --Arts Review LA
McKellan is arguably the finest living interpretor of Shakespeare --Arts Review LA
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful performances, but low budget,
By Richard Kirwan "RB" (London, England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: King Lear [DVD] (DVD)
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.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Very Strong Performance... bar Edmund,
By
This review is from: King Lear [DVD] (DVD)
It's a really strong performance, although the televised nature of the DVD does detract somewhat from the original stage performance. However, given that this is to be expected, the overall film is good.
McKellan's Lear is unique and visceral, whilst retaining the gentlness and moving qualities that are essential in the protagonist. However, at times, his performance can, I think overtake the actual text itself - it's quite hard to understand what he's saying at times. Nevertheless, another astounding achievement from McKellan. Edmund, on the other hand, is pretty rubbish. I think his portrayal of a psycopathic brother is legitimate, but his acting of the part is far too over the top. It's essential that a portrayal of Edmund as insane be conducted with subtlty, and this guy certainly doesn't do that. Luckily, Frances Barber is spectacular as Goneril - she's obviously evil, but with a depth that expands the role very effectively. Romola Garai is a good and moving Cordelia, without being two-dimensional, and Sylvester McCoy's Fool is an excellent portrayal. Ben Meyjes is a fantastic Edgar, almost stealing the show. His madness is wonderfully portrayed, and the complexities of his character are constantly held throughout his performance, with his aiding of Gloucester's fall an incredibly moving scene. Overall, a very very good production, and well worth seeing... just.. try not to let Edmund irritate you!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
King Lear,
By Virgilia (Spain) - See all my reviews
This review is from: King Lear [DVD] (DVD)
I can only say that when Shakespeare wrote King Lear, he had this performance in mind. McKellen is magnificent, but so is the rest of the cast. I never saw a better Goneril and Edmund truly gets under your skin. I recommend this DVD wholeheartedly to anyone who loves Shakespeare.
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