King Richard III

Shakespeare's history exudes foreboding and bitter humor, and feels operatic in the scope of its tragedy. As King Richard III, Kenneth Branagh deftly handles Shakespeare's twists and turns of language, particularly in Richard's lightning-fast transitions from rhetoric-filled, florid speeches to devious and cunning asides spoken directly to the audience. The supporting cast is equally strong, witheringly criticizing Richard in his presence and expressing their resigned grief and unchecked rage at his terrible actions in his absence. Occasional sound effects--a clock striking, a sword being drawn from its scabbard--add to the sensation of being present for a bare-bones production, on a mostly empty stage, where the language becomes the focus and the performances paramount. J.M.D. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine