Richard III

Comparison Essay # 99988

English > Comparison
Film
Literature

Richard III

This paper compares and contrasts five dramatic and historical interpretations of Richard III.

1,482 words () | 5 sources | APA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper examines four productions and one biography of Richard III.
The paper explains that a controversial historical figure like Richard III, whose flawed character and life was filled with intrigue, betrayals, confrontations and battle has provided ample opportunities for playwrights, biographers, novelists, and filmmakers to interpret him and the events of his life in a variety of ways. The paper shows how some interpretations rely upon an understanding of the historical Richard III, others rely upon the characterization of him in William Shakespeare's famous play, while others have chosen to rely less upon traditions and more upon innovative approaches.

From the Paper:

"Carefully examining the 1954 and 1995 films, both entitled Richard III; as well as Shakespeare's Richard III, Al Pacino's Looking for Richard, and historical and biographical accounts of Richard III provides many opportunities to compare and contrast these various interpretations. William Shakespeare's play is the best known of these productions, and justifiably so, for it created a memorable and lasting image of Richard III that renders the historical figure virtually irrelevant to most people. Shakespeare's interpretation of Richard is so powerful, vivid, and overwhelming that no biography or historical account can even begin to compare."

Sample of Sources Used:

Kendall, Paul Murray. (1975). Richard the Third. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
Richard III. (1995). Dir. Richard Loncraine. Perf. Ian McKellen, Annette Benning. MGM Studios.
Richard III. (1954). Dir. Laurence Olivier. Perf. Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Cedric Hardwicke. Home Vision Entertainment.
Looking For Richard. (2005). Dir. Al Pacino. Perf. Kevin Spacey, Alec Baldwin. PAL.
Shakespeare, Richard. (2004). Richard III: Folger Shakespeare Library. New York: Washington Square Press.