also, it has John McEnery in it, like all productions ought to.
I am watching (some of) the Fiona Shaw Richard II right now, in order to figure out which bits of it I want to show for tomorrow's class on Act II. I hadn't seen it in years (mostly because my tape was on loan for ages). Either it is much better than I remember, or I'm just not watching the bits that annoyed me most the first time. Probably it is some combination of those things.
ALSO. Julian Rhind-Tutt and Kevin McKidd are both in it and they were both too adorable for words in 1997 (even though McKidd is taking over the role of Harry Percy from Jon Slinger, who did it in the stage version, which, AWESOME). I do think a lot of the strength of this production comes from the supporting cast, even the ones who are not completely adorable. (And it has the best set of minions ever.)
Also also, in this production Gaunt gives Richard a mafioso kiss of death before his final exit. I had of course not forgotten that -- how could you really? -- but I had forgotten how TOTALLY GROSS IT IS. Naturally I am therefore going to show it in class.
Also also ALSO (I should probably stop prefacing my remarks this way), it annoys me tremendously that nearly every production I have cuts the "perspectives" speech. BOO DRAMATURGS OF THESE PRODUCTIONS. I do think the ESC production has it, although its effect is rather diminished by the fact that Bushy looks like he a) has had a few too many and b) is attempting to hit on the Queen and also c) is Stephen Fry. Wearing a hilarious Regency tie.
ALSO. Julian Rhind-Tutt and Kevin McKidd are both in it and they were both too adorable for words in 1997 (even though McKidd is taking over the role of Harry Percy from Jon Slinger, who did it in the stage version, which, AWESOME). I do think a lot of the strength of this production comes from the supporting cast, even the ones who are not completely adorable. (And it has the best set of minions ever.)
Also also, in this production Gaunt gives Richard a mafioso kiss of death before his final exit. I had of course not forgotten that -- how could you really? -- but I had forgotten how TOTALLY GROSS IT IS. Naturally I am therefore going to show it in class.
Also also ALSO (I should probably stop prefacing my remarks this way), it annoys me tremendously that nearly every production I have cuts the "perspectives" speech. BOO DRAMATURGS OF THESE PRODUCTIONS. I do think the ESC production has it, although its effect is rather diminished by the fact that Bushy looks like he a) has had a few too many and b) is attempting to hit on the Queen and also c) is Stephen Fry. Wearing a hilarious Regency tie.