King Lear

Synopsis

King Lear, directed by Jonathan Miller and starring Michael Hordern in the titular role, is a gripping adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic tragedy. Premiering in 1982, the film delves into the turbulent journey of King Lear, a monarch in his twilight years who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. This seemingly wise decision soon unravels into chaos as deceit, betrayal, and madness engulf Lear and his realm. As truths are uncovered and loyalties are tested, Lear's descent into madness mirrors the disintegration of the order he once cherished. With powerful performances and an intense narrative, this film remains a poignant exploration of human nature and authority.

Cast

• 

  Michael Hordern

  King Lear

• 

  Brenda Blethyn

  Cordelia

• Gillian Barge

  Goneril

• 

  Penelope Wilton

  Regan

• 

  John Shrapnel

  Earl of Kent

• 

  Norman Rodway

  Earl of Gloucester

Reviews

King Lear (1982), featuring the acclaimed portrayal of the titular character by Michael Hordern, has garnered mixed to positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. According to IMDb, it holds a respectable rating of 7.7/10. Critics laud Michael Hordern's 'masterful' performance, with Roger Ebert noting it as 'a tour de force that captures the essence of Lear's tragic decline.' The visual direction by Jonathan Miller has also been praised, with 'The New York Times' commenting on its 'hauntingly atmospheric' settings which 'enhance the thematic depth of Shakespeare's narrative.' Conversely, some critics have pointed out that the film's adherence to the original text can make it 'difficult to follow' for those unacquainted with Shakespearean dialogue. 'Rotten Tomatoes' does not provide an aggregate score for this particular version, as it predates the website, but retrospectives indicate a divided reception regarding its pacing and fidelity to the source material. Overall, Metacritic does not have an aggregate score either, but literature and film enthusiasts often cite this adaptation as a 'must-watch' for its 'stellar' performances and 'uncompromising' take on the Shakespearean play, even if it doesn't cater to mainstream tastes.