‘Richard III’ displays Olivier’s many talents
Laurence Olivier directed and starred in five feature films, but this version of “Richard III” (1955), in which he plays the title role, represents his best effort in both filmmaking and self-direction.
As the wicked, malformed Duke who schemes and murders his way to the throne, Olivier never looked happier. His Richard is so thrilled with his own exploits that he can’t resist turning straight to the camera and telling us what awful thing he plans to do next. It’s an exuberant, cheeky performance by an actor who seems liberated by the freedom, for once, to be ugly. It’s terrific fun, the best “Richard III” committed to film, and there have been good ones.
Co-starring Ralph Richardson and John Gielgud, this new digital restoration is being presented by the Mostly British Film Festival.