Richard III (1995)

Based on the play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1593.

This film is an exercise in anachronism. Although based on events which took place in the 15th century, and sporting dialogues from the play written in the 16th century, the film is visually set in an imaginary England of the 1930s, after a civil war which dethrones the monarch. Richard, a brother of the new king, covets the throne for himself, and uses all kinds of immoral schemes to achieve his goal, and when he succeeds he establishes a fascist-like government.

Although as a statement in political science I have severe doubts about the seriousness of this film, as a visual and dramatic spectacle it is quite convincing and, at times, even dazzling.

Rating: 60