Looking For Richard (1996)

In this semi documentary film, actor Al Pacino takes on the role of Shakespeare's RICHARD III and we see the work in progress as well as Pacino interviewing famous Shakespearean actors as well as the man on the street. Directed by Al Pacino. If you love Shakespeare (as I do) and in particular RICHARD III (as I do), this film is a real treat. While the film is a serious attempt at unlocking the play's "secrets", it's also joyous fun. We see the filming of the play as well as the actors breaking down the play. In addition to Pacino as Richard, we have Kevin Spacey as Buckingham, Winona Ryder as Lady Anne, Alec Baldwin as Clarence, Estelle Parsons as Queen Margaret and Aidan Quinn as Richmond among others. Meanwhile, we have actors like Vanessa Redgrave, Kenneth Branagh, John Gielgud, Derek Jacobi, Rosemary Harris, James Earl Jones and Viveca Lindfors commenting on the play and Shakespeare in general. There's a marvelous underscore by Howard Shore to accompany it. With Harris Yulin and Penelope Allen.