Looking for Richard . Tucson Weekly . 11-21-96

Looking for Richard

DIRECTED BY: Al Pacino

REVIEWED: 11-21-96

Al Pacino's directorial debut is a surprisingly fresh, witty introduction to the complexities of one of Shakespeare's more knotty plays--Richard III. Pacino, along with a cast of famous actors, obscure academics and the stray passerby, comments on the background and meaning of Richard, the tale of a ruthless, hunchbacked and totally fascinating evil guy. The actors perform scenes from the play both in costume and in informal attire; Pacino cuts them together for a truly original version of Shakespeare that could only be realized on film. Robert Leacock--one of the pioneers of the cinema vérité documentary style--is the director of photography, and at times Looking For Richard has the feel of a concert film from the 1960s. There's a sense that anything can happen. What's more, Pacino is terrific as Richard.

--Stacey Richter

Film Vault Suggested Links
Time Indefinite
Hoop Dreams
Soul in the Hole

Rate this Film
If you don't want to vote on a film yet, and would like to know how others voted, leave the rating selection as "Vote Here" and then click the Cast Vote button.