King Lear

'King Lear' to this day still compels and moves me and Shakespeare's text is poetic and haunting with many emotions. It is not one of my favourites of Shakespeare's plays, having more of a fondness of studying some of the others (such as 'Macbeth' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream') in school and it is not always easy getting behind Lear straight away (took time for me when studying it admittedly), those being introduced to the play may be put off by him in the first act. This is a wonderful production in almost every way and is quite an experience in an a good a way as you can get. Of all the productions seen of 'King Lear', this one from Stratford is one of the best in my view. There is, or at least there should be, a huge amount to admire for those familiar with the play, but (like all the other filmed Stratford productions) the effort to make it accessible for first time viewers was truly laudable and a big selling point. A great job is also done making one care for Lear and there were sides seen to some characters that were refreshingly different. Not much wrong here at all, other than a few too many reaction shots and a few draggy stretches initially. So much is brilliant here in this 'King Lear'. Colm Feore gives a performance of towering sincerity in the title role and makes one really care for Lear throughout, which is not easy to do. His chemistry with Sara Farb's affecting but never passive Cordelia is very touching. Also touching is Scott Wentworth as Gloucester, whose big shocking scene really wrenches the gut as ought (with it being one of the most shocking scenes of any of the Bard's plays). Evan Buliung is a suitably loathsome Edgar and Maev Beaty does manage to bring some depth to a character that could have been little more than a standard villain. Stephen Ouimette is a well characterised, wicked, amusing and nuanced Fool. Everybody is great. While other filmed Stratford Shakespeare productions took more risks and perhaps more inventive, with this 'King Lear' being more traditional, the production doesn't feel too safe or too conventional. There is a real feel for atmosphere, in a way that's frighteningly austere and poignant. The production values are traditional and kept simple with props being at a minimum, something that works perfectly, and are very atmospheric. The storm sequence particularly. The stage direction is always tasteful and feels fresh even without any updating, it is also coherent and not hard to follow which will not alienate first timers. It's a nicely shot production and the intimate yet never claustrophobic ambience feels authentic. Concluding, wonderful with many first rate things. Especially the performances. 9/10.

Fantastic performances. The play itself is ambitious and overlong and overwrought, but I admire that it tries to do more and doesn't care that every character is deplorable. I had the actual play on my lap while I watched. Highly recommend it.