Director: Richard Loncraine
Starring: Maggie Smith, Ian McKellen and Jim Broadbent
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actresses in Britain have created a legacy as strong as Maggie Smith. Ever since her rise to fame in the 1980’s, Smith became a British icon. Whether it’s magical professors, frustrated mothers or political leaders, Smith played countless strong characters. Arguably, Smith’s finest strength as an actress has often been her strong commitment to her craft. She is one of those rare actresses that has always had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen time. Even when she isn’t a main focus of a movie, Smith has often left a lasting impression. Through her abilities to portray characters which prove compelling, Smith has established a legacy that’s lasting. Although she is best known for her iconic role in the Harry Potter series, Smith has commonly proven that she can make movies in a variety of genres. Throughout her strong career, Smith has made many memorable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a big fan of Smith and adore all movies she has made in her career. However, “Richard III” is truly my favourite. Released in 1995, Richard Loncraine’s film offered a beautiful adaptation of a renowned Shakespeare play. Packed with breathtaking production, engaging storytelling and extraordinary acting, it’s one of the finest Shakespeare adaptations made. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Maggie Smith, who embodies the mother of a majestic king. Ultimately, what makes “Richard III” an extraordinary literary adaptation is universal appeal. Unlike most Shakespeare movies, the film tackles bold themes about kingdoms that everyone would relate to. A riveting adaptation of a renowned Shakespeare play, there are countless strong reasons why “Richard III” is a commemorated movie worthy seeing.
Based on the Shakespeare play, “Richard III” tells a story of a majestic king descending into madness facing a price to pay. Ian McKellen portrays Richard III, a majestic king that seeks recognition. Born with a strong desire to gain power, Richard III seeks control over a tough business empire. Richard sets out on a journey to remove obstacles that stand in his way such as his strict mother (Maggie Smith). However, Richard’s hopes for achieving power become threatened when he faces a competitive duke that causes disaster. The Duke of Birmingham (Jim Broadbent) is a competitive rival causing Richard to question his position as a majestic king. As all the odds are soon stacked against his favour, Richard wonder whether it is truly possible for him to become a successful king that achieves power.
Richard Loncraine is a newcomer to the plays of Shakespeare. Before he made “Richard III”, Loncraine had never made a Shakespearean movie before. It was the filmmaker’s attempt to adapt a celebrated Shakespeare play but he succeeded tremendously. Using gorgeous cinematography, Loncraine captures a king on a journey to discover his identity. Inspired with Kenneth Branagh’s “Hamlet”, Loncraine deftly uses point of view shots to capture hardships which majestic kings go through. For instance, POV shots enhance the king ascension scene. During this unforgettable scene, Richard III is given a chance to deliver a speech after he is throned as the king. Using point of view shots, Loncraine honours a play about kings which is inspiring. POV shots are complex techniques to use in films. As Chris Columbus’ “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” suggested, POV shots enhance adaptations of magical books. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through stunning visuals, Loncraine captures hardships that kings seeking power are often facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Richard III” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Loncraine expertly uses costumes to capture majestic kings embarking upon a journey to find their identity. Throughout the movie, Richard III’s costumes demonstrate his transformation into a strong king. For instance, costumes elevate the argument scene. During this memorable scene, Richard III experiences tension when he has an argument with peers in his kingdom. Through captivating costumes, Loncraine creates a portrait of kings which is compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Trevor Jones’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing legacy of Shakespeare. Through strong production, Loncraine honours a legendary play about kings which experience tension.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Richard III” is a Shakespeare adaptation that is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture tension that majestic kings are facing. Throughout the film, Richard III’s monologues capture his point of view on being a majestic king. For instance, the dramatic monologues enhance the king throning scene. During this unforgettable scene, Richard III experiences tension when his throne is challenged by the Duke of Birmingham. Through breathtaking monologues, Loncraine created a portrait of kings which audiences can relate to. Dramatic monologues are complex techniques to use in films. As Michael Engler’s “Downton Abbey” suggested clearly, monologues often elevate adaptations of beloved British television series. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Loncraine celebrates a legacy of an iconic Shakespeare play.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Maggie Smith delivers one of her best career performances as the Duchess of York. Smith first earned appreciation for playing magical school teachers in fantasy films. With “Richard III”, however, she took upon her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray the royal Duchess of a kingdom facing adversity but she pulled it off successfully. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charming and emotional in her most complex role. Smith has often excelled at playing women in stress, and “Richard III” gave her chance to showcase her strengths as an actress. With captivating expressions, she captures the angst, grief and resentment of a woman seeking to manage a kingdom. It’s a powerful performance by one of the best actresses that is currently working today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Maggie Smith, the supporting cast is stellar and also worthy of appreciation. Ian McKellen is magnificent, capturing ambition of a strong king seeking power in a monarchy which faces tension. Robert Downey Jr. is remarkable, and captures authoritative nature of a prince that desires to become a powerful political leader. Lastly, Kristin Scott Thomas merits praise. As a young woman seeking control over a kingdom, she is unforgettable.
Finally, “Richard III” would earn appreciation of everyone for honouring an iconic Shakespeare play deserving recognition. Unlike most movies about the poet, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. It discusses powerful themes including ambition, family and mental health which resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the beloved Broadway play to enjoy it. It delivers a profound message about kingdoms that resonated with everyone. Therefore, “Richard III” is one of those movies everyone will adore.
Fans of Maggie Smith will definitely appreciate “Richard III” and so would movie goers which seek exhilarating entertainment. A spellbinding adaptation of a beloved Shakespeare play, it honours an actress there beloved today.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film celebrating the legendary work of Shakespeare, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated British actress that built a successful career through her abilities to portray compelling characters in unforgettable movies about which audiences deeply care.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 