Looking for Richard

Actors love villains more than heroes. The admiration is often reserved for the rogue: defeated but with his warped mind a thousand times more interesting than his victorious opponent. Of them, Richard III deserves a statue. Ian McKellen was crowned last year for a version in a relatively contemporary setting. Just what makes the merciless tyrant so colourful is examined by Oscar-winner Al Pacino in his directing début Looking for Richard. He shows the preparations for a stage performance, visits the bard's birthplace and talks to colleagues such as Alec Baldwin, Kevin Spacey and Winona Ryder about the approach to their roles. Renowned Shakespeare exponents such as Sir John Gielgud, Sir Derek Jacobi, Vanessa Redgrave and Kenneth Branagh shine their light on the timeless attraction of Richard and other classic characters. Al Pacino's enthusiasm is infectious and his film is fascinating for all lovers of theatre, Shakespeare and acting in general.Erik Koch