The Evolution of Richard III: A Modern Cinematic Interpretation

In 1990, during the production of Richard III at the National Theatre, director Richard Eyre, designer Bob Crowley, and the cast sought to incorporate modern elements into the play's design. As the production prepared for its U.S. debut, Eyre encouraged the idea of adapting the performance into a film, prompting the playwright to draft a screenplay. However, with his commitments at the National Theatre, he opted not to direct, leading to the hiring of Richard Loncraine, who, despite lacking familiarity with Shakespeare, proved to be an ideal collaborator. The transition from stage to screen presented unique challenges, as the playwright recognized the need for a different acting approach. He discovered that subtle gestures, like raising an eyebrow, could convey depth, and he embraced the opportunity to deliver Richard's soliloquies directly to the camera, a technique that had previously caused hesitation among actors. The decision to cast American stars was also considered, although one prominent actress, Annette, declined to adopt an American accent, highlighting the complexities of the casting process. As the project progressed, the playwright's confidence as a film actor grew, despite initial reservations. He enjoyed the creative freedom to place characters in unconventional settings, such as a urinal scene that aimed to resonate with contemporary audiences. The decision for actor Ian to break the fourth wall during his soliloquies was a bold move, reflecting the innovative spirit of the adaptation. However, financial constraints loomed, with the team aware that they only had enough budget for half of the planned shoot.