King Lear

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Lune C 05/21/2024 People are used to more modern adaptations and it is true that the simplicity of this comes across as stark. See this in the context of theatrical performance and it sparkles - this is the closest we get to watching some amazing Shakespearean actors in their element, many now passed away. The performances by this ensemble of seasoned actors are polished. Watch for Laurence Olivier’s range as he moves from a dignified king used to reverence and obedience but incredibly blinded and foolish to an abandoned and humiliated old man bereft of even his sanity. See more 06/19/2017 Olivier...simply brilliant See more 10/13/2012 Although the production suffers from some truncation to the script (nearly an hour of dialogue is cut out), it is redeemed by the astounding performances of its more-than-able cast: Colin Blakely is a strong, virtuous Kent, Dorothy Tutin and Diana Rigg make for a marvelously wicked double-act as the evil daughters, John Hurt is heart-wrenching even as you laugh at him as the tragic Fool, and while the brothers' performances lack in-depth shading, the whole cast could be very well be subpar and still be redeemed by Olivier's marvelous Lear. Some interesting directorial flourishes make for the definitive screen version to date of the greatest play ever written. See more 07/18/2012 The pacing of this cheaply made film is glacial, but the emotion of the story and Olivier's Lear pull it through. See more 06/15/2011 Lear as it should be Performed, by Sir Laurence Olivier See more 06/17/2010 Olivier is brilliant -as always- as King Lear, with Diana Rigg being the "next best thing" as Regan. But John Hurt's performane is perfect. I think he belongs to a very small number of actors, who are capable of making the viewer understand exactly what their characters are thinking and feeling. His Fool is one of the most sincere and beautiful performances I have ever seen. See more Read all reviews

King Lear

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