Richard Loncraine’s brilliant 1995 film adaptation of "Richard III" takes Shakespeare’s classic and sets in the Europe of the 1930s amid the rise of fascism with a blackhearted Sir Ian McKellen in the title role. Will and James discuss what makes this movie so successful -- from its all-star cast and impeccable art direction to the insights it offers about totalitarianism and the breakdown of political order. // CREDITS // Intro Music: Jon Sayles, "The Witches' Dance" (composed by anonymous); Outro Music: Jon Sayles, “Saltarello” (composed by anonymous)

In Richard III, the conclusion to the War of the Roses tetralogy, Richard of York connives, lies, and murders his way to the top. In the process, he dispatches his brothers, nephews, and his own wife with aplomb, plenty of puns, a broken fourth wall that paved the way for House of Cards, and a plot that both Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth infamously loved. As the tyrannical anti-hero of Shakespeare’s early masterpiece, Richard III stands without peer. //WORKS REFERENCED // James Mann, The Great Rift: Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, and the Broken Friendship That Defined an Era (2020) // CREDITS // Intro Music: Jon Sayles, "The Witches' Dance" (composed by anonymous); Outro Music: Jon Sayles, “Saltarello” (composed by anonymous); Illustrative excepts from: Richard III, dir. Richard Loncraine (1995) and Richard III, dir. Laurence Olivier (1955)

Richard III

R.J. Rushdoony

Learn more about R.J. Rushdoony by visiting: https://chalcedon.edu/founder

The post Richard III appeared first on Rushdoony Radio.

This episode brings us to the conclusion of the Wars of the Roses, and to the emergence of Shakespeare's first great villain, the short-reigning English king, Richard III. Long a fan and public favourite of the Bard's, this play is noteworthy for a number of reasons, including its continued relevance in the world's varied political realms. Join us for a discussion of the characters, the story, and the political interpretations of one of England's most reviled monarchs, and one of Shakespeare's most engaging characters.

Marriage Counselling:

This episode's marriage counsel debate revolved around which modern politician most resembles Richard III. If you've ever wanted to hear us slag two conservative politicians from North America, this is the debate for you.

Extra notes:

• A quick search reveals that no one has, as of yet, trademarked the term "Tragic Anti-Hero" so maybe Lindsay can corner the market and open a new front of Richardian discourse
• "Is Stephen Harper a hologram?" by Rick Mercer, covering the 2011 Canadian election: https://www.macleans.ca/general/is-stephen-harper-a-hologram/

Richard III is supposed to have been a conniving and megalomaniacal ruler. Henry Tudor believed he was a usurper, having wrested control of the crown and throne of England from his brother, Edward IV’s, line of succession, which he later claimed was actually illegitimate. And he has stood accused of orchestrating the murders of his other elder brother George, Duke of Clarence, several advisors to his late brother King Edward IV, his own wife Anne Neville, and—most famously—his nephews, Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, the young Princes in the Tower.

Was Richard the evil usurping murderer that the Tudors and William Shakespeare himself would have us believe? Or was he, as Richardians insist, a victim of smear campaigns and propaganda at the hands of the victors of England’s bloodiest dynastic battle?

Richard III: Tyrannical Murderer or Misunderstood King? That's the question we want to discuss in today's episode of The Bicks Do Shakespeare.

Notes:

"Richard III: The King in the Car Park" - Channel 4 documentary"Richard III: Fact or Fiction""Britain's Real Monarch" with Tony Robinson