Richard III

McKellen, Ian. Richard III. New York: Overlook Press, 1996. Print.


Medium: screenplay

Genre: William Shakespeare, film analysis

Synopsis:
"In both his introduction to the screenplay and the extensive notes which run parallel to the text, Ian McKellen describes the genesis of the film, how the Royal National Theatre's highly praised stage production of Richard III was transformed into two hours of celluloid magic. He explains why this Richard III is set squarely in the 1930s and comments on the advantages as well as the pitfalls of trying to make Shakespeare more accessible to a general cinema audience. And finally he gives insight into the way an actor prepares himself, both physically and mentally, to play one of Shakespeare's greatest villains." (book back)

Notes:
I read this in sections, after having read Shakespeare's play and watched the film. It was an incredible addition to the analysis, offering a variety of insights into the original, the film, and the industry in general. McKellen is often witty and ironic, making this an enjoyable as well as informative read. Truly helped add another layer to my understanding--this is the kind of comparative analysis approach I love.