Richard III (1995)
First screened in August 2003 / Most recently screened in August 2024
Director: Richard Loncraine. Cast: Ian McKellen, Annette Bening, Jim Broadbent, Nigel Hawthorne, Kristin Scott Thomas, John Wood, Robert Downey Jr., Maggie Smith, Adrian Dunbar, Tim McInnerny, Dominic West, Edward Hardwicke, Bill Paterson, Jim Carter, Christopher Bowen, Edward Jewesbury, Roger Hammond, Donald Sumpter, Kate Steavenson-Payne, Matthew Groom, Marco Williamson. Screenplay: Ian McKellen and Richard Loncraine (based on the play by William Shakespeare and the stage production by Richard Eyre).

In Brief:  Memorable nastiness and historical reframing. Peak use of McKellen's showboat style. Too compressed for maximum force.

VOR:   Arguably too design-forward—a few key actors might need more guidance, and story stutters at time. But what a vision! Creative and potent.



Photo © 1995 United Artists

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: B


Academy Award Nominations:
Best Art Direction: Tony Burrough
Best Costume Design: Shuna Harwood

Golden Globe Nominations:
Best Actor (Drama): Ian McKellen

Other Awards:
Berlin Film Festival: Silver Bear (Best Director; tie)
European Film Awards: Best Actor (McKellen)
British Academy Awards (BAFTAs): Best Art Direction; Best Costume Design

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