Cast
View AllLars Eidinger
as Richard III.
Moritz Gottwald
as Buckingham
Eva Meckbach
as Elizabeth
Jenny König
as Lady Anne
Sebastian Schwarz
as Hastings, Brakenbury, Ratcliff
Robert Beyer
as Catesby, Margaret, Erster Mörder
Thomas Bading
as Edward, Bürgermeister, Zweiter Mörder
Christoph Gawenda
as Clarence, Dorset, Stanley, Prinz v. Wales (als Puppe)
Laurenz Laufenberg
as Rivers, York (als Puppe)
Thomas Witte
as Schlagzeuger
Crew
Director
- Thomas Ostermeier
- Hannes Rossacher
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Richard III examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Thomas Ostermeier brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Richard III took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 159 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 204 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 495 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1349 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Richard III shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Flying Classroom, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Richard III subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Taste of Others and Henry V explore similar territory, Richard III stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 4, 2015
- Runtime: 2h 39m