Brian Blessed's Over-the-Top King Lear: An Unforgettable Performance

Recently, I had the opportunity to revisit a DVD of Brian Blessed's adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic play, King Lear. This production, directed and acted by Blessed himself, is a unique and powerful experience, filled with passionate performances and unexpected challenges.

Emotional and Compelling

Known for his booming voice and dynamic personality, Blessed's performance as King Lear is both a spectacle and a grounded interpretation. Despite initial misgivings, I found Blessed's direction to be both thoughtful and effective. The film manages to flow seamlessly, without overly straying from the text, while also capturing the essence of the story.

Humor from the Text

The film does a commendable job of highlighting the humor within the script. Blessed found and utilized the comedic moments, which added a layer of depth to the characters, particularly in the interactions between Goneril and Regan. This was in stark contrast to Ian McKellen's more exaggerated and caricatured portrayal in his recent production.

Challenges and Improvements

One of the most striking aspects of Blessed's adaptation is the range of emotions he conveys through his character. From the stern beginning to the tragic end, Blessed's portrayal of Cordelia was both believable and moving. The journey from virtue to despair was emotional and well-executed. However, the journey of King Lear's character development towards self-knowledge was perhaps a little too linear, lacking some of the more complex turns that could add to the depth of character.

Action and Character Interpretation

There is a fair amount of action in the film, and the fight scenes, though intense, sometimes felt a bit rushed. Edmund, in particular, was caught short in the intensity of the physical conflict. The character's subtleties were somewhat lost, which is a disappointment given the complexity of the role. This could be attributed to the production's focus on visual spectacle over nuanced character work.

The Wig and Production Choices

The biggest challenge Blessed faced was his own presence: the overlarge wig he wore throughout the film. Though it was a regrettable necessity, the wig seemed to overshadow the emotional and visceral performances. Blessed's towering stature and the absurdity of the wig together created a comedic and disturbing visual that detracted from the serious narrative. The wig was never removed, despite attempts at dramatic moments that could have heightened the impact of Lear's decline if it had been somehow symbolically significant or torn away.

Conclusion

After a notable viewing, I am left with a conflicted respect for Blessed's effort. While I was initially put off by the production's excesses, the consistent quality of the performances and the ability to capture the dramatic arc of Lear's journey speaks volumes. Blessed has directed and acted in a way that brings King Lear to life in an extraordinary fashion, despite the visual absurdities.

If you are a fan of the play and this adaptation, I highly recommend giving it a second look. I am always eager to hear your thoughts on the production — and perhaps we can discuss this peculiar and compelling interpretation of a timeless classic!

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Brian Blessed King Lear film adaptation