A finer version than that of Laurence Olivier!

Black and white cinematography of Gritsius, the music of Shostakovich and the enigmatic face of Jarvet, makes all other versions of King Lear smaller in stature. Lord Olivier himself acknowledged the stark brilliance of this film. Oleg Dal's fool lends a fascinating twist to the character. The "Christian Marxism" of Kosintsev can knock-out any serious student of cinema and Shakespeare. I recommend this version to serious viewers. Don't miss this little known classic.



viewer's comments:

- One of the best Shakespeare's filmings
This is one of rare Shakespeare's filmings, where "filming" doesn't sound as a common noun. Of course Kozintsev is one of the greatest Russian director's, but Jarvet is just genious in his phylosophical interpretation.



- Assured and deeply moving treatment of Lear
Even, relaxed performances. Tasteful, non-intrusive direction. No gimmicks. And finally a clear, even obvious! result.

This might seem like damning with faint praise, except that Kozintsev has done what Brook didn't, what Olivier's BBC production didn't, and what every stage production I have ever seen resolutely and spectacularly failed to do. That is to create order and clarity and meaning within arguably the greatest and arguably the most difficult play ever written. It seems easy to do in Kosintsev's version, which is one of his great triumphs. see it

Runtime: 137 min Country: Soviet Union
Language: Russian with clear English subtitles.
Color: Black and White


This film may prove that Lear is too big for the stage.