The Robert Downey Jr Film Guide
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The Robert Downey Jr Film Guide |
|
 | Richard III (1995) |
Summary |
Adaptation sets Shakespeare's tale of king's gimpy little brother's murderous rise to power in a 1930s fascist regime. |
Direction |
Richard Loncraine |
Downey Factor |
Low. |
Character |
Rivers, the queen's loyal brother and obstacle to Richard's power-grab. |
Looks |
Pretty good. |
Performance |
Fine. He doesn't stand out, but he appears to know what he's talking about. |
Love & Sex |
Murdered while getting "first class service" from a stewardess |
Dies, Gay or Villain |
Yes, no, no. |
Other Actors |
Ian McKellen, Annette Bening, Kristin Scott Thomas |
Connection |
Annette Bening in In Dreams. Ian McKellen in Restoration. |
Location |
Although it is a fictional fascist regime, the script refers to London |
RDJ Says |
So I just became good friends with [Ian McKellen, on the set of Restoration] and then he said hey, I'm doing Richard III, and I've got this really small part but I'd love for you to be in the film ... I play the queen's brother Earl Rivers, who's kind of like the Roger Clinton of the royal family ... he's got his own lifestyle, he's happy to be there, and happily capitilizes on the situation |
Lit Reference |
Richard III by William Shakespeare |
Hot Link |
Ian McKellen's Richard III Site |
Release |
December 29, 1995 |
Availability |
Fairly common. Available on video in NTSC and PAL. Released on DVD in Region 1 and 2. |
Foreign Titles |
Brazil: Ricardo III Italy: Riccardo III Poland: Ryszard III |
Rotten Tomatoes |
92% Fresh | 24 Reviews |
Critical View |
Hal Hinson, Washington Post: Loncraine doesn't simply find a modern setting for Shakespeare's original; he modernizes it to its marrow, dressing it up in Nazi chic and staging it like a rock opera. |
2 Reasons to See It |
1. You saw Apt Pupil and simply must see more Ian McKellen as an evil fascist. 2. You're in the mood for Shakespeare. |
Overall |
To see or not to see is a judgment call. If Robert Downey Jr. is the only thing about this film that interests you, don't bother. |
If You Like It |
You might also like Good Night & Good Luck (2005), Restoration (1995) |
Photos |
Video |