King Of Texas (2002)

Set in 19th century Texas, a wealthy cattle baron (Patrick Stewart) divides his sprawling property among his three daughters. But first he demands proof of their love and while the two oldest daughters (Marcia Gay Harden, Lauren Holly) espouse their love, his youngest daughter (Julie Cox) refuses to play his game and is banished from his life. Based on KING LEAR by William Shakespeare and directed by Uli Edel (LAST EXIT TO BROOKLYN). Adapting Shakespeare's plays into a different genre or setting is nothing new in film or stage. Such adaptations include the sci-fi FORBIDDEN PLANET (THE TEMPEST), the western JUBAL (OTHELLO) and the musical WEST SIDE STORY (ROMEO AND JULIET) and this version of KING LEAR on the range works surprisingly well. Of course, without the poetry of Shakespeare's language much is lost in the transition but the power of the narrative is still there. However, the monstrous adult children who seem perfectly at home in the Shakespearean tragedy seem excessive in a more contemporary format. Stewart is very good here as Lear, receiving our empathy even though he's responsible for the harridans he raised. He bred them and raised them and he's not altogether undeserving of their contempt. The underscore by John Altman is quite effective. With Roy Scheider, David Alan Grier, Patrick Bergin, Steven Bauer, Colm Meaney and Matt Letscher.