Looking For Richard

October 1996

(5)

Synopsis

This is a fascinating documentary-style film about Academy Award®-winning actor Al Pacino's staging of Richard; and his simultaneous exploration of the relevance of Shakespeare to people in every walk of life. Every scene of the play is dissected by actors and scholars prior to us seeing it performed, thus bringing the play brilliantly to life. Pacino's directorial debut takes the audience on a fascinating journey through the actor's process, preparing the audience for classical drama in its highest form. Richard schemes murderously for the throne at the expense of his brother Clarence (Alec Baldwin), his wife Lady Anne (Winona Ryder), his sidekick Buckingham (Kevin Spacey), and just about everyone else who crosses his path. The film also stars Aidan Quinn as Richmond, and includes interviews with F. Murray Abraham, Gil Bellows, Kenneth Branagh, Kevin Kline, James Earl Jones, John Gielgud and Vanessa Redgrave, among dozens of others. ...

Reviews

4.4

5 total

5 3

4 1

3 1

2 0

1 0

Jonathan Rosenbaum

This runs 118 minutes, but it felt like six or seven hours.

Godfrey Cheshire

High-spirited and infectiously energetic.

Geoff Andrew

Pacino's first film as writer/director is a marvellously intelligent, witty and imaginative exploration of the problems faced by anyone wishing to act in Shakespeare or translate the plays to film.

Suzanne O'Connor

There are actors' rehearsals and performances, and Mr. Pacino interviews experts, conducts man-on-the-street polls and stages collegial arguments with his cronies. Thus emerges the intricate story of Richard's ambition.

Mick LaSalle

The last half-hour drags.

Lloyd Rose

An astute, funny, loving and occasionally even beautiful documentary about actors preparing to do a play.

Cast and credits

Actors	Al Pacino
Director	Al Pacino

Additional information

Rotten tomatoes® score

81%

Audio language

English (Stereo)

Subtitles

English (United States)

Rental period

Start within 30 days, finish within 48 hours.

Run time

112 minutes

Rating

PG-13

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