It's been a while since I've seen this film so I'm gonna have to do an overview. While watching this film, I kept in mind that it is a documentary and not meant to be a theatrical picture. This was definetly necessary. If you are looking for something with action or witty lines written down by some overpaid screenwriter in the back lots of Hollywood, you'll have to pick up a different film; however, if you can get past the impulse to veg infront of the tube and make this film in excercising your brain, it is quite remarkable. Al Pacino and the rest of the cast do a great job of interpreting and explaining Shakespeare and his work. It is a great film for those who are not Shakespeare buffs. Pacino enlightens his audience concerning what goes on to stage and enact Shakespeare--the interpretation, the casting, the mindset. Now, if you still aren't convinced that this movie is at least worth a shot, check out the cast. It is a who's who of today's most talented actors and actresses Shakespearean as well as those from the other side of the big pond--Kevin Spacey, Kenneth Branagh, James Earl Jones, Alec Baldwin, etc. My favorite part of the movie comes at the end when Al Pacino acts out the most famous scene of the play ("A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!"). It is truly a spirited performance. NOW, with all this said, Looking for Richard falls short of being indispensable. It's a good film but not great. I think what it lacks is continuity. It jumps around a little too much for my liking...but Looking for Richard, none the less, is a film that is worth checking out at least once. Now if you want a truly great Shakespearean film, check out anything directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Review of Looking for Richard
