BBC: King Lear (2018) part 10

Read the previous post here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-9.html

Act V, Scenes 1-3

Plot Summary

Act 5 begins in the British camp in Dover. The jealous Regan asks Edmund about his love affair with Goneril, and he denies all. Regan is jealous anyway, and asks Edmund to keep his distance from Goneril. Goneril and Albany enter with their army, and bring news that the French army has been joined by King Lear, and Albany declares that he will fight alongside Edmund, Regan and Goneril. Neither Regan nor Goneril will leave Edmund alone, and the three exit together.

Edgar, disguised as a common peasant, joins Albany at the camp and gives him the letter that he took from Oswald - the one which reveals Goneril's secret affair with Edmund and her plot to have Albany killed. Edgar promises that if Albany wins the battle, he will defend Albany against the claims made in the letter and promises to be his champion. Edmund returns as Edgar leaves, and Albany quickly leaves the scene to prepare for battle. Edmund has a soliloquy in which he confesses his love for both Goneril and Regan and ponders over which sister he should choose. He resolves to make the decision after the battle, and decides that Goneril can kill Albany herself if he survives. He menacingly threatens to show Lear and Cordelia no mercy if the British should win.

Scene 2: the battle. Still posing as a peasant, Edgar guides Gloucester to shelter and takes Lear's side of the fight. When he returns, he says that Lear and Cordelia have lost and been captured. Gloucester wants to stay and await death or capture, but Edgar persuades him to safety.

In the final scene, Edmund leads Cordelia and Lear in and Lear is showing signs of insanity, fantasising about living with Cordelia as birds in a cage. Edmund sends them away with secret instructions on what to do with them. Albany enters with Goneril and Regan, full of praise for Edmund's fight and requests to see Lear and Cordelia. Edmund lies to Albany, saying that he feared mutiny if the British forces saw them, so he had them sent away. Albany is telling Edmund that it wasn't his place to make such a decision, when Regan interrupts with her plans to marry Edmund. Goneril argues, but Regan, who is suspiciously feeling sick, claims him as her lord and husband.

Albany arrests Edmund for treason, sounding a trumpet to summon Edgar (as previously agreed), whom Edmund must fight against for his freedom. Edgar wins the combat, and Edmund is kept alive for questioning. Goneril goes to Edmund to nurse his wounds, but makes herself scarce when Albany reveals the letter containing their secrets.

Edgar finally reveals his identity and tells everyone how he has disguised himself and led Gloucester to Dover. He also reveals that he only unveiled his identity to his father before coming to fight Edmund, and that upon hearing the news, Gloucester died of grief and joy.

A servant rushes in, clutching a bloody knife, and exclaims that Goneril has committed suicide after poisoning her sister, Regan. The two bodies are brought in. Kent arrives, enquires where Lear is, and Albany demands that Edmund reveals Lear and Cordelia's location. He confesses his crimes, and says that he sent Cordelia to be hanged, so a messenger is sent to prevent the hanging.

Lear arrives at the scene, carrying a dead Cordelia. He slips in and out of sanity, grieving for his daughter, and does not recognise Kent when he speaks to him. A messenger brings news that Edmund has died. Lear thinks that he sees Cordelia breathe again, and then he dies.

The play ends with Albany restoring Edgar and Kent's titles, as he invites them to rule Britain with him. Kent feels that his death is imminent and refuses, but Edgar accepts. The final remaining characters exit the stage together as a funeral march plays.

BBC Production

Back at the British camp, scenes of smoke over houses and military warfare covers the streets of England. Edgar (still disguised) guides Gloucester to a house and settles him on a sofa, before returning outside to discover the truth. He returns from the battle site to his father, and tells him that Lear and Cordelia have been captured. Gloucester dies in his arms. The noise of bombs and guns stops abruptly. For me, this emotional scene was cut too short, as the impact on Gloucester has been lost. Broadbent (as always) was terrific in the role, triggering sympathy from the viewer as he shows unconditional love toward the King. It needed just a moment longer, perhaps just before his death or after, to reinforce the amount that he has sacrificed and the heartbreaking truth that, in spite of everything, Lear has lost the battle, but Gloucester can finally rest in peace.

The British army march Cordelia and King Lear to the castle, and Lear speaks sweetly to him daughter and embraces her when she protests against her capture. His speech moves her to compliance, and she returns to the guards who march her into the castle. Upstairs, Edmund whispers secret instructions to a soldier, then joins Albany and Regan, who is looking pale, in the war room. Goneril arrives, and tensions rise again as she quarrels with her sister. Albany accuses Edmund of treason, clearly hurt by what he has recently witnessed between him and his wife. Regan yells that her sickness is becoming worse and leans on the table for support. Goneril lays her hand on Edmund’s back as Albany’s back is turned, suggesting their affair is far from over.

Outside, Edmund must face a champion to determine whether he is a traitor. This was Albany's challenge to him as per the agreement with Edgar, although this did not come across in this production - the conversation between Albany and Edgar had been cut entirely, so Edmund's challenge would seem random to anyone who was not familiar with the play. The British army surround the two fighters (Edgar was masked for the entire fight), creating a ring for them to fight within, cheering them on. Goneril smirks and Albany frowns as Edmund appears to be winning, and she grins widely when Edmund spits out his mouth guard to bite Edgar turning the fight dirty. She shrieks and the masked champion breaks Edmund’s back against his leg, and finally reveals his identity as Edgar, removing his mask. I expected a moment of emotion or honesty between the two brothers, but there was nothing.

A soldier runs in with a knife, telling of Regan's murder and Goneril's suicide, and Albany demands that he produces the bodies. Regan’s sickness suddenly makes sense, although Goneril’s suicide seems sudden and almost too quick. Their bodies are brought in on a trailer, and faces revealed from beneath a thick blanket. A quick reminder that Edmund has not yet died: Edmund’s final breath is that of Cordelia’s fate – although if you weren’t listening you would have missed it. His body is dragged to a nearby tent out of sight, and Lear comes in dragging a bag. Guards open it to reveal Cordelia’s face... Edmund told the truth too late.

Lear is calm and frank as he confirms that she is dead. Hopkins’ clarity in his final speech brings sincerity and reality to this final scene, as he addresses his men for the final time. His conversation with Kent reveals his confusion as his words are a tangled web of misunderstanding. Emotion returns as he spots Cordelia again with a noose still around her neck. He touches her head and cries for her. 

Lear, beginning to choke from crying and then struggling to breathe: “Pray you undo this button”. Edgar undoes it, and Lear takes a deep breath. His attention returns to Cordelia, and he appears to hallucinate that she is alive. He steps toward her and falls, tears in his eyes and gasping for breath. One final breath and he dies, resting upon Edgar and Kent. All present remove their hats in respect. They lift him to lie next to his daughters. Kent goes to remove all bodies but suddenly finds himself weak, and soldiers take them away instead.

Edgar ends the play with an address to the surrounding soldiers and looks at the camera upon the line “nor live so long”. The production ends with a view of Kent walking out of the castle gates, following as the corpses are taken out, and the light fades to white to symbolise death. 

BBC: King Lear (2018) part 9

Read the previous post here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-8.html

Act IV, Scenes 5-7

Plot Summary

The scene returns to Gloucester's castle, with Oswald informing Regan that Albany's army is on the move. Regan is curious about the letter from Goneril to Edmund, but Oswald refuses to let her see it, and Regan supposes that it is about their love affair. Regan tells Oswald that she fancies Edmund for herself, and says that she has already spoken to Edmund about it. She also says that it would be inappropriate for Edmund and Goneril to commit adultery, and that it is much more suitable for him to begin an affair with a widow. She gives Oswald something to send to Edmund, and promises Edmund a reward if he can kill Gloucester.

[This took place earlier in the BBC Production] Still disguised as Poor Tom, Edgar leads Gloucester to Dover and pretends that they are at the top of a cliff. He claims that the height gives him vertigo, and stands back as he watches Gloucester pray. It is clear that Gloucester wishes to commit suicide. Gloucester faints and collapses to the ground, no longer able to stand his suffering. Edgar, now no longer pretending to be Poor Tom (yet still not revealing his identity), wakes his father and claims it is a miracle that he survived the great fall, saying the gods have saved him. Edgar tells him a devil was tempting him to suicide, and Gloucester, satisfied with this explanation, resolves to be patient with his suffering.

Lear, who has been wandering in his state of insanity, comes across Gloucester and Edgar. He clearly recognises Gloucester, but his words lack coherence and he babbles about Gloucester's adultery and womankind. Cordelia's men arrive in search of Lear, but Lear escapes when they attempt to bring him to Cordelia.

Oswald arrives at the scene, recognising Gloucester and remembering his plan to kill him for a reward from Regan. Edgar, realising that Oswald has not recognised, decides to adopt another persona. He kills Oswald while defending Gloucester, and Oswald passes the letters onto Edgar as he dies. Gloucester regrets not being killed. Edgar reads in the letter that Goneril asks Edmund to kill her husband, Albany, so that they can be together. Infuriated, Edgar keeps the letter with the intention of showing it to Albany. He then buries Oswald and guides Gloucester to safety.

BBC Production

We then return to a town centre, where Edgar is sat on a bench with his father - again, we must assume that they walked, and Edgar must have led Gloucester down a cliff without him realising that he was walking down the cliff he supposedly fell from. Lear comes wandering into the scene, looking like a drunk homeless person with a shopping trolley full of junk and rambling on about all kinds of rubbish. Honestly, if it weren't for having the script handy then I don't think I'd understand this scene. False identities, madness and depression make for a confusing encounter.

Lear's mad speech when he is confronted with Gloucester is a crucial moment in the play, as Lear fails to keep iambic pentameter and cries "Fie, fie, fie! Pah! Pah!". His madness is visible not only in character, but in his scruffy attire. Lear gets genuine with Gloucester for the first time in the encounter and sits next to him on the bench where he and Edgar are sat. He removes his hat and pulls out a horseshoe, showing more signs of madness as he rambles about his horseshoe. The British army comes running in, headed directly for the King. They tell him they will take him to safety, and he starts laughing, saying they will seize him by catching him as he starts to run away, playfully.

The scene removes itself to Goneril and Oswald, in conversation about recent events, laughing. The letter between Edmund and Goneril has been totally omitted, but the affairs between Edmund and the two sisters are evident. Goneril approaches Edmund, and she passes a gold chain to him with promises of power and wealth and kisses him intimately. She is spied and confronted by her husband, Albany.

Edmund’s soliloquy narrates the scene as he goes to Regan, and has an equally passionate meeting with her, exchanging whispers and touches. Goneril and ­­Albany arrive, causing them to separate, and they converse about political happenings. The tension between Regan and Goneril could be cut with a knife as glances are exchanged and subtle yet snide remarks are made. At the end of the conversation, Edmund claps loudly, and follows them out of the room. 

Read part 10 here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/05/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-10.html

BBC: King Lear (2018) part 8

Read the previous post here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-7.html

Act IV, Scenes 1-4

Plot Summary

Act 4 opens with Edgar reflecting to himself that situation could be much worse, when he is confronted with the sight of his blinded and beaten father being led by an old man. Gloucester is telling the old man that losing his sight is worth it if he can touch his son, Edgar, once more. Yet, Edgar chooses not to reveal his identity and remains in the disguise of Poor Tom. Gloucester asks "Tom" to lead him to Dover. Edgar (as "Tom") agrees. Gloucester says that he wants to go to the top of the highest cliff.

Goneril and Edmund begin scene 2, arriving at her husband, Albany's place. Oswald reveals that Albany is no longer ally to Goneril, and that he is pleased that the French have landed. Aggravated by Albany's cowardice, Goneril decides to take control over her husband's army.  She sends Edmund to Cornwall's house to prepare his troops for the battle against the French, and bids him goodbye with a kiss and the promise of messages. Albany arrives as Edmund leaves, and criticises Goneril for driving her father into madness. Goneril retaliates, calling him a coward, and the argument escalates.

News arrives of Gloucester's blinding and Cornwall's death, and Albany reacts with horror while Goneril expresses mixed feelings. Goneril feels Cornwall's death with give Regan less power, yet it also gives Regan opportunity to pursue Edmund. Albany asks of Edmund's whereabouts when his father was being abused, and is horrified to learn that Edmund was the one who betrayed him. Albany decides he must help Gloucester - and declares revenge on Edmund.

Meanwhile, in Dover... Kent, in disguise, speaks with a French gentleman and learns that the French have landed, but quickly departed due to trouble at home. Cordelia, now the Queen of France, has learned of her father's mistreatment and feels sorry for him. Kent reveals that Lear has also arrived in Dover, but refuses to face Cordelia because of how he mistreated her. The gentleman tells Kent that Albany and Cornwall's armies are both on the move, ready to fight the French.

Cordelia arrives with her soldiers and Lear hides in the cornfields, singing madly to himself. She sends her men in search of him, and consults a doctor about his mental health, who prescribes sleep. News of the British armies is brought to Cordelia, who orders her men to stand ready for battle.

BBC Production

A few scenes have been either omitted or rearranged from now on, so I'll keep this section in the order of the BBC production.

In a smooth transition, Edgar's words are heard before he is seen, as he narrates the beginning of his monologue over a montage of Gloucester being guided by servants and Edgar making his way across a field along the side of the road - the road, of course, reminds us that this is a modern adaptation, and therefore a modern landscape is required. He meets his father on his path, and puts on an awkward squeaky voice in attempt to disguise himself from his father, and the man leading Gloucester is convinced that Edgar is mad. Gloucester sends the old man away, and asks Edgar to lead him to Dover; Edgar responds that he will, in that same awkward squeaky voice. His face is becoming wet with tears as he looks upon his father with confusion and sorrow.

The scene quickly changes upon the mention of the Dover cliffs, and Edgar has apparently guided his father all the way to Dover. Perhaps they walked, perhaps they caught a bus, we'll never know. Edgar (still disguising his identity from his father) pretends to take Gloucester to the edge of the cliff, backs away when requested, and watches with tears streaming down his face as Gloucester falls to the ground. Edgar wipes his face and runs toward his father, adopting a common London accent this time. Poor Gloucester seems genuinely disappointed that he has survived the fall from the cliff, as this stranger tells him.

A quick flit to the French army shows that they are preparing for battle, and reminds the viewer that there are political issues to follow as well.

Read part 9 here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-9.html

BBC: King Lear (2018) part 7

Read the previous post here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-6.html

Act III, Scenes 5-7

Back at Gloucester's castle, Edmund has betrayed his father by showing Cornwall a letter that proves Gloucester's support of the French invasion, and Cornwall vows revenge. Edmund feigns shock, but his secret plan has come into play as Cornwall rewards Edmund with the title Earl of Gloucester. Cornwall sends Edmund in search of Gloucester, and Edmund hopes to find his father helping Lear to prove Cornwall's suspicions.

Gloucester, Lear, Kent, Edgar and the Fool settle in a small outbuilding, probably on Gloucester's grounds. Gloucester goes to find provisions, while the others perform a mock trial of the King's daughters. The scene is an exhibition of madness, eccentricity and hallucinations. Gloucester rushes back, reporting to Kent that he has overheard talk of a plot to kill Lear, and begs for Lear to be sent to Dover to his allies. Edgar ends the scene with a monologue in which he compares his own suffering to Lear's, concluding that the King's suffering feels far worse and far more important.

In Gloucester's castle, Cornwall shows Goneril the letter which incriminates Gloucester and requests that she tells her husband, Albany. He then sends servants to apprehend Gloucester for punishment, and orders Edmund and Goneril to Albany's place so that they do not have to witness the punishment. Oswald reveals that Gloucester has helped Lear flee to Dover, and Gloucester is found and brought to Cornwall who treats him cruelly and as if he were a criminal. Cornwall says that although he cannot kill Gloucester without a formal trial, he can still punish him brutally.

Gloucester remains loyal to the King, and says he will see his wrongs avenged. Cornwall gouges one of Gloucester's eyes out and remarks, "see't shalt thou never", while Regan orders Cornwall to rip the other eye out too. A servant of Gloucester's steps forward to defend him, but Cornwall and Regan kill the servant after a sword fight. Wounded and enraged, Cornwall gouges out Gloucester's other eye.

BBC Production

Cornwall swoops into action upon reader the damning letter, scrunching it up in fury and dramatically clearing his desk. Suspense is created by the scene flitting between Gloucester's castle and Lear's outside party, hinting to the reader that a climactic event is about to happen. Gloucester shows kindness to the King and his followers, protecting them by allowing them access to a hiding place. Within, Lear's speech becomes slurred and full of spite as he takes the opportunity to condemn his daughters, and his madness shines through until he is advised to rest by Kent. They settle down to rest, but Edgar is shown sat upright, looking around and contemplating what he has just witnessed.

A truck arrives, and Gloucester rushes in to instruct Kent to ensure Lear arrives in Dover. The Fool follows, seeming full of life until he lies down on the bench in the back of the vehicle. His eyes and mouth are wide as he gasps for breath, apparently dying, possibly from the stress of recent events and exposure to the fierce storm.

Andrew Scott has a chance to shine through Edgar's monologue, and it is a moment of redemption. His character becomes grounded and real as he acknowledges the viewer through the camera, seeming sincere in his words. He finishes his speech with a look into a mirror and splashes a handful of water across his face - this action appears to undo all of his words, and I have to question the director's unusual decision to bring a glimmer of madness back to the character in this final moment. Perhaps all will become clear as the production develops.

A return to the castle brings us back to business, as Corwall, Edmund, Cordelia and Regan strutt about the halls with information firing about. "Pluck out his eyes!" orders Goneril, after Regan has suggested Gloucester is hanged for his treason. Another quick exchange informs us that the French have landed, meaning the British army must be prepared. Upon leaving the castle, the first hint at an affair is shown, as Edmund discreetly gropes Regan's bottom as they follow her husband and Goneril to the castle doors.

Gloucester, "the traitor", enters the dining room to find Regan and Cornwall, who order him to be bound to a chair immediately. Cornwall begins to question, but Regan speaks over him and has the final word when she demands Gloucester to speak. Neither believe his honest answers, and Regan's rage gets the better of her. She exchanges a glance with Cornwall, and they know what they are about to do: Gloucester's glasses are removed, and he screams in pain as Cornwall uses Regan's finger as an instrument to gouge out Gloucester's eye. Splatters of blood fly across their faces and over Gloucester's glassed which had been placed on the table (not quite sure how it reached past Cornwall and Regan, but it certainly created a dramatic sight).

Suddenly, a random guard whose face was vaguely familiar stepped forward in Gloucester's defence, shouting in Cornwall's face. Cornwall retaliates, pushing the guard over the dining table and attacking him with cake, leaving the butter knife free for the guard to grab and stab Cornwall with. Regan saves her husband, shooting the guard who falls to the ground, reminding Gloucester that he has one eye left to harm Cornwall and protect the King with. This reminder refocuses Cornwall, and he marches over to the helpless Gloucester to finish the grim job. Regan beats him to it, forcing her finger into Gloucester's eye, and the scene finishes with the sound of his wimpering.

After a gory view of Gloucester, still tied to the chair and with blood dripping down from his eyes, attention is centred onto Regan, looking at her wounded husband in horror. He tells her he is hurting, and reaches for her arm, but the selfish Regan turns away and leaves the room. Cornwall follows with a determined look in his eye, and the camera returns to the defeated Gloucester for the close of the scene.

Read part 8 here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-8.html

BBC: King Lear (2018) part 6

Read the previous post here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-5.html

Act III, Scenes 1-4

Plot Summary

Act 3 scenes 1-2 appear to be omitted from BBC's production. In Shakespeare's play, Kent is shown searching for Lear, and learns of his whereabouts from a knight. He tells this knight secret information: of unrest between Albany and Cornwall, and that there are French spies within the English courts. Kent tells the knight to go to Dover in search of allies, and gives the knight a ring to give to Cordelia so that she knows who has sent the message. Kent then searches for Lear, who is still wandering in the storm with his Fool and cursing his daughters. Kent finds them, and urges them to take shelter in a nearby hovel.

Scene 3 returns to Gloucester in his castle with Edmund. Gloucester shows worry for the King and recounts how Lear had been locked out in the storm to Edmund. He then reveals news of a conflict between Albany and Cornwall to Edmund, and tells that a French army is invading. Gloucester takes the King's side and decides to search for him in the storm, while Edmund distracts the Duke of Cornwall so that Gloucester's absence goes unnoticed. However, when Gloucester leaves, Edmund betrays his father and immediately tells Cornwall, hoping to inherit Gloucester's fortune after he has been executed for treachery.

We are transported back to Lear for scene 4, where he is refusing to enter the hovel in shelter of the storm. He stays outside and prays, reflecting that he did too little as King to protect the homeless who had no shelter from storms such as this. The Fool runs out of the hovel in horror, claiming that it is haunted - but it is Edgar disguised as beggar Tom O'Bedlam. "Tom" claims he is being chased by the devil, and Lear sympathises with him. They share stories, and Lear removes his own clothes to match Edgar's nakedness. Gloucester finds the King, and attempts to persuade him to return to the castle. Lear is persuaded, but decides to bring his new friend, "Tom", with him.

BBC Production

Given that much of scenes 1 and 2 are missing, England's political situation is not at the forefront in this production. Jim Broadbent shows a serious face as Gloucester reveals to Edmund that France are invading, however there is no more information than this up to now. Gloucester hands a letter to Edmund and embraces his son before leaving in search of Lear. There is also no sign that Edmund plans to betray his father, and no suggestion that he is thinking of sentencing his father to death by telling Cornwall of his treachery.

The "hovel" is a group of tents, seemingly where homeless families take refuge from the storm. This clarifies Lear's monologue about the poor homeless citizens that he has let down in his rule. It is a huge contrast from the grand castles we have previously seen, and symbolises the King's mental downfall while suggesting that this is where Kent has had to stay since being exiled. It serves as a reminder that, although this play follows the effect of Lear's actions on his family and friends, a King's attitude and actions (or lack thereof) will also impact the lives of everyone under his rule.

This moment of reflection is interrupted all too quickly by the sound of snarls and the Fool's outcry of a spirit inside the "hovel". Edgar (Andrew Scott), half naked and covered in dirt and mud, is shooed out by Kent with a long stick. Scott is good at playing a madman, so I looked forward to seeing how he would embody this character. His eyes are wide, his arms are flailing, and his voice is high-pitched and hysterical: "Poor Tom!". As always, his performance is very physical, grabbing at himself, the ground, and other characters. He huddles and flinches like a puppy when Gloucester arrives with a torch, and Lear puts his arm around him in protection as he leads him back to the castle with him.

Read part 7 here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-7.html

BBC: King Lear (2018) part 5

Read the previous post here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-4.html

Act II, Scenes 3-4

Plot Summary

Scene 3 sees Edgar, who has so far managed to escape, removing his fine clothes and dirtying himself to become "poor Tom". He decides to pretend to be an escapee of a mental asylum, searching for food and shelter.

Lear arrives at Gloucester's castle for scene 4, and spots Kent. He is shocked to learn that Regan and Cornwall have treated one of his servants so appallingly, but excuses their behaviour when they claim that they are sick from travelling. Lear reveals Goneril's recent unkindness to Regan, and Regan suggests to him that he returns to Goneril to beg forgiveness for his actions. Lear asks Regan to let him stay, but he refuses, and he curses Goneril.

Goneril arrives at Gloucester's castle. Regan, who was expecting her arrival, takes Goneril aside and they plot against their father. They tell him he is old and weak, and must surrender half his men if he wants to stay with either of his daughters. He chooses to stay with Regan, but she says only 25 of his 100 men can stay. Lear then bargains with Goneril that he will keep only 50 men if he can stay with her, but she refuses his offer. Then, both daughters refuse him any servants.

Lear is outraged, and marches outside where a storm is brewing. Gloucester wants to let him in, but both Regan and Goneril order the doors to be locked, leaving him in the harsh weather.

BBC Production

Edgar appears to have avoided the guards and dogs, and rests against a tree in the dark wood. He is weak and trembling as he removes his jumper and smears mud on his face.

Back at the castle, Lear arrives in a Landrover and spots Kent tied up outside. He reveals what has happened, and Lear demands to know "Where is my daughter?!" as his rage appears to be starting up again. He marches through the castle, and slyly takes a drink from a flask - it appears a drinking problem is how he handles his issues. Kent is brought in by servants in the background.

Regan puts on her sweetest smile as she attempts to talk the King into returning to Goneril. He curses Goneril, and Regan tries again. This time, he responds by mocking her, getting on his knees and begging Regan as if she were Goneril, laughing at himself as he fakes an apology. Regan's face changes, and a harsher look casts over her face: "Return you to my sister". This sends Lear into a rant about Goneril's mistreatment of him, and Cornwall attempts to calm him. He reminds Regan of the ownership of land which was previously agreed.

They are interrupted by the sounding of a car horn outside, and suddenly Lear remembers Kent outside, asking "who put my man in the stocks?". As perfect timing would have it, Oswald walks in and Lear immediately points his anger and blame toward him. Oswald backs away, and Goneril walks in, looking very regal and commanding. Lear remembers his rage at Goneril and removes himself to another room. Cornwall reveals that he put Lear's man in the stocks.

The issue of where Lear is to stay becomes the topic of the conversation again. Regan provides the reason that she is currently not at home, and so Lear cannot stay with her. He is insulted by the thought of having to give up half his men to stay with Goneril, and rejects her offer. He tells her farewell, "we'll no more meet, no more see one another" and then grabs her face as he kisses her directly on the lips. It is an uncomfortable moment, as the kiss is not tender as it should be between father and daughter, nor is it brief enough. Poor Emma Thompson can only push him off then stand in disbelief after this awkward moment. Lear's rage shows itself again, as his family and friends look upon him in horror.

Gloucester, desperate to protect his King and the peace, looks on as the two daughters reject their father. The two women decide he has no need for any men, for they have plenty of their own, and the King is insulted by this. He removes his coat ready for his rant about wanting his men for reason, not for need, and forcibly wraps it around Goneril upon the lines "If only to go warm were gorgeous,/Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear'st,/Which scarcely keeps thee warm". She flinches in response at his rage and forcefulness, and I am beginning to question whether this production is hinting at him being more abusive off-screen, perhaps in Goneril's childhood.

Lightening strikes outside to the sound of thunder, and Lear continues his rant. He yells that he will have revenge on his daughters, almost growling as he says his lines. "I shall go mad" he says, as he finally exits the room, and the camera follows him leaving the castle. His Fool follows, and Lear continues his rant of hatred as the Fool huddles against him as they walk in the awful weather. Kent catches up to them, and buttons up Lear's coat and an alliance appears to be sealed between the three of them as they walk on together across a stormy field.

Read part 6 here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-6.html

BBC: King Lear (2018) part 4

Read the previous post here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-3.html

Act II, Scenes 1-2

Plot Summary

Gloucester's servant, Curan, tells Edmund that Regan and her husband, the Duke of Cornwall, will arrive shortly, and mentions gossip that there is trouble between Cornwall and the Duke of Albany. Edmund is pleased, and plans to make use of Cornwall in his plan to get rid of Edgar, telling Edgar that Cornwall is angry towards him because he is sided with Albany. Edmund also tells Edgar that Cornwall has discovered his hiding place, so they stage a sword fight and Edgar runs away. Edmund cuts his own arm and lies to Gloucester (their father), claiming that Edgar had wanted him to join a plot against Gloucester, which Edmund says he refused to do. Edmund claims that Edgar tried to kill him, so Gloucester gives him praise for refusing.

Cornwall and Regan arrive and believe Edmund's lies, and ask if Edgar is one of Lear's disorderly knights. Edmund says that he is, and Regan speculates that the other knights put Edgar up to this in order to acquire Gloucester's fortune. Regan asks Gloucester for advice, and responds to Lear and Goneril's letters.

In scene 2, Kent, disguised as Caius, meets Oswald who does not recognise him. Kent abuses Oswald, who maintains that he does not know him, and Kent attacks Oswald with his sword. Cornwall, Regan and Gloucester hear Oswald's cries for help, and Cornwall orders "Caius" to be punished in the stocks. Gloucester feels punishment of Lear's messenger would be disrespectful toward the King, but is outvoted by Regan and Cornwall.

When alone, Kent reads a letter from Cordelia, which reveals she is looking for an opportunity to leave France and return to Britain, where she will help improve Britain's conditions. At the end of the scene, Kent falls asleep in the stocks.

BBC Production

Following a heartfelt conversation between Lear and the Fool, the music suddenly changes, giving a sense of drama and action. The viewer is presented with army trucks moving down a road, then transported to the scene of Gloucester's castle at night.

Scene 1 opens with a hushed and hurried conversation between Edmund and Edgar. Edmund sneaks Edgar out of the castle under the cover of night with sirens sounding in the background. A brief but intense embrace between the brothers suggests that this is the last they will see of each other for a while. Edmund directly addresses the camera, letting the viewer in on the secret when he cuts his own arm with a knife, ready to claim that Edgar cut him.

Gloucester and guards answer Edmund's cries and are commanded immediately to go in search of Edgar, leaving Gloucester and Edmund to share a moment for Edmund to lie to his father about Edgar plotting to kill him. For me, there should have been more emphasis on this moment - I feel it was only because I was looking out for it that I understood what was happening. Thus far, only half of the scene has been included, and it is only because of Edmund directly looking into the camera briefly that I understood that it was deceit. His scenes with Edgar and his father seem genuine (although I gather he is supposed to be a good liar).

Regan and Corwall arrive and are quickly caught up on the situation, and Regan jumps to conclusions about Edgar and of Lear's knights as per her warning from Goneril. They then move off camera as they reveal to Gloucester the real reason why they came: for his advice. Edgar is briefly shown rushing through some woods with searchlights and dogs barking in the background, to show that he is being pursued.

I was interested to see how a modern-day production would adapt scene 2 to make it relevant while maintaining the excitement. Oswald arrives in a car; Kent on a bike. Kent gets off his bike and stops Oswald, dragging him out of his car while insulting him and demanding he recognises him. Kent chases Oswald around the car, grabbing and assaulting him when he can. Oswald, with fear in his eyes, manages to manoeuvre himself within reach of the steering wheel to honk the horn and cry "Help! Murder!". A siren is sounded and guards come rushes to his aid. Kent does not back down until Cornwall orders them to cease. After being insulted himself, Cornwall orders for Kent to be restrained and left outside overnight, and guards get him to his knees with hands behind his back and a black hood over his head. Gloucester's protests are silenced by the sound of guns being held to Kent's head. The scene ends with Oswald camply throwing something at Kent before throwing Kent's motorcycle helmet off his car and driving away, leaving Kent restrained and alone.

I found this was an odd way of adapting it, but cannot think what more the director could have done. If it weren't for Oswald's whimpish behaviour and slightly camp/posh character contrasting with Kents masculinity, the humour would be almost entirely lost. Because of the hood, we cannot see Kent falling asleep at the end, and there is no mention at all of Cordelia's letter (although this may turn up later).

Read part 5 here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-5.html

BBC: King Lear (2018) part 3

Read the previous post here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-2.html

Act I, Scenes 4-5

Plot Summary

Kent, who has been banished by King Lear, dons a disguise as Caius in order to remain within the kingdom to protect his King. Lear asks "Caius" of his intentions in his kingdom, and Kent ensures his answers are vague but full of admiration for the King - this impresses Lear.

King Lear requests to see Goneril, but Oswald leaves without responding. A knight reports that she is unwell, and also tells the King that Goneril's household are being rude toward the King's entourage.

Goneril enters and complains of the Fool's and the knights' unruly behaviour. She demand that the number of knights in the King's service are reduced - Lear responds in anger that he will move to Regan's palace where he will be appreciated.

Scene 5 begins with Lear sending Kent to deliver a message to Gloucester. The Fool foresees that Regan will equally mistreat King Lear, just as Goneril has. Lear begs the Heavens to keep him sane.

BBC Production

This scene is introduced with images of Jim Carter trimming his hair and shaving off his beard, signalling that a transformation of character is taking place. The viewer is then transported to the woods where Lear is found with his men, hip-flask in hand, chanting and celebrating the results of a hunt. Kent, disguised as Caius, watches from behind a tree. "Caius" steps forward to greet the King, who does not appear suspicious that he already knows the man before him. They stand face-to-face as Lear asks what his business is, and Lear is quick to accept his company.

Personally, I find an issue with disguises such as the Kent-Caius one in this play being translated into film. In the real world, Lear would have recognised a person with whom he has worked closely. For Lear to look Kent directly in the face and not realise who he is seems implausible, yet this seems to happen in many modern-day productions that attempt to place Shakespeare in a modern naturalistic setting. Perhaps Hopkins could have taken a step back and looked as if he recognised Carter upon the line "Dost thou know me, fellow?", and Lear been convinced by Caius' speech. Or, perhaps he should have been distracted and therefore not looking directly at Carter - this would allow for Lear to show arrogance after being flattered by Caius, and make the decision to trust Caius' words based on his ego.

The men return to Goneril's palace full of celebrations, and when the King requests to know where Goneril is, he is quickly dismissed by Oswald (Christopher Eccleston), leaving a dumb-struck Anthony Hopkins and Jim Carter in the room. Oswold consults with Goneril and she asks him to report that he is sick. Scraps from Act I, Scene 3 fill in the blank that has previously been left, giving a brief explanation for Oswald's actions and showing that he is under Goneril's command. Oswald returns to the room and is bullied by the King and his men, slapped, pushed and laughed at.

Following this fight, Oswald is quickly forgotten as the Fool (Karl Johnson) visits the house to see the King. The King's violence remains apparent when he grabs the Fool by the collar as a greeting, and his drunkenness is being to show as he slurs words and listens intently to the Fool's riddles.

The Fool relates his story to the King, while Goneril listens from the next room before entering the scene. She appears as a sensible teacher-ish figure, standing above him as she lectures him over his behaviour. She is surrounded by the King's knights, and so the tipsy King puts on an arrogant performance in front of his men. Goneril is not swayed, even when Lear burps at her. Things become serious as anger overcomes Lear and he decides he must leave a place which is so ungrateful of his presence. There is a brief moment of awkwardness as Albany (Anthony Calf) enters the room expressing his confusion over why the King must leave, and Lear responds with a kiss directly on Albany's mouth. A moment of "what the hell just happened?!" follows next, as Lear, Albany and Goneril all show expressions of disbelief.

Lear's rage continues toward Goneril, who holds her head down and shuts her eyes in seeming fear. She then rants to her husband about the horror her father is bringing upon their family. She asks Oswald to go to Regan and inform her of the King's behaviour and warn her of his arrival.

A quick transition moves the scene back to a conversation between the King and the Fool, as they are sat outside with the knights busying themselves in the background. Serene music plays as the Fool consoles the King over his actions, and as the King requests of the Heavens that he may not be mad.

Read part 4 here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-4.html

BBC: King Lear (2018) part 2

Read the previous post here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-052018.html

Act I, Scenes 2-3

Plot Summary

Edmund's soliloquy reveals that he feels inferior due to his status as a bastard, and plans to forge a letter to his father (Gloucester) in order to undermine his brother, Edgar. He then presents this letter to Gloucester. Edmund suggests to Edgar that he carries a weapon to protect him from their father's wrath.

In scene 3, Oswald confirms to Goneril that King Lear stuck him for making fun of the King's Fool. This enrages Goneril, and tells Oswald to keep Lear waiting when he needs something. She says if the King is unhappy, he should move to Regan's palace. Goneril instructs her servants to be cold toward the King due to his behaviour.

BBC Production

Broadbent's Gloucester is filled with emotion and heartbreak when he reads the forged letter. He is easily convinced by Edmund (John Macmillan) and does not think for a second to doubt his words. Then, the sly Edmund continues on his quest of deception. Macmillan looks directly into the camera to allow the viewer in on his secret, allowing us to become an accessory to his crime.

Edmund's half-brother, Edgar (Andrew Scott) is introduced as a character of intelligence. He is positioned at a desk in a study, seemingly working hard at astronomy of some sort with an image of an eclipse on his computer screen and board. This is perhaps a nod to Gloucester's line in the previous scene: "These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to us", which originally referred to lunar and solar eclipses in 1605 London, about a year before the play's first performance on record. During that time, an eclipse would have triggered many superstitions, and Gloucester believes that these eclipses may have caused Edgar's letter.

Edmund uses Edgar's work as excuse to bring up the recent eclipses, and allows the conversation to flow into discussion of the effect on their father's temperament. Edgar doesn't seem to notice that his father has been different and looks back at his work in dismissal, yet Edmund pushes the subject: "Bethink yourself wherein you may have offended him". A bang on the table by Edmund startles his brother and brings a sense of urgency to the scene. When Edmund, dressed in military gear, tells his studious brother to arm himself against their father, Edgar reacts in shock and fear.

A fragment of Scene 3 appears later on in the BBC production.

Read part 3 here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-3.html

BBC: King Lear (2018) part 1

I've missed the live broadcast of King Lear, so I'll be catching up on iPlayer. I'm attempting something a bit different this time: I'll be watching it in sections and analysing each act in more detail over several blog posts. Hope you enjoy!
The production was available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0b57d0w/king-lear 

Act I, Scene 1

Plot Summary:
Two noblemen, Gloucester and Kent, open the play with a conversation about how the King is dividing his kingdom. Edmund, Gloucester's son, is introduced when Kent remarks to Gloucester "Is this not your son, my lord?", and it is revealed that Edmund was born out of wedlock.

Lear enters with a plan to divide his kingdom between his three daughters. He asks each of them in turn how much they love him, promising to give the largest share to the daughter that loves him the most. Goneril and Regan confess the most love, yet he gives them equal share. Cordelia, however, refuses to perform such flattery, and only speaks of her love when she is pressed by Lear to do so. She tells her father that she only loves him as much as she should: no more, no less. Lear is outraged by this, disowns his third daughter, and divides his kingdom equally between his two eldest daughters.

Kent, having witnessed the outburst, tells Lear that he appears mad to reward flattery and disown honesty in such a way. Still in a fury, Lear banishes Kent from the kingdom, ordering him to leave within six days.

The Kings of France and Burgundy arrive to hear which of them is to marry Cordelia. Lear tells them that she no longer owns any title or land, so Burgundy withdraws his offer. However, France is impressed by her honesty and decides to make her his queen.

Although they recognise that they now have power over the kingdom, Goneril and Regan plot together to reduce their father's power further.

BBC Production:
Richard Eyre's modern-day production begins with dramatic views of London, intense music and the view of soldiers.

Inside the castle, the grey stone walls reflect the icy nature of the events that take place within them. Gloucester's (Jim Broadbent) dismissal of his son, Edmund, feels cold, and it is clear that he loves his status more than he wants a family. When Kent (Jim Carter) and Gloucester continue toward the throne room, Edmund throws a pained yet angry look after his father.

Lear's (Anthony Hopkins) power is clear from the moment he appears on screen. The camera follows his steps through the stone corridor and into the throne room, giving him an instant impression of authority. His costume is a simple black shirt with black trousers, yet he constantly commands the attention of the viewer. The delivery of his lines is flawless, and he intimidates without the need to yell or gesture. I would even go as far to say that his sense of superiority has a kind of elite grace to it.

The throne room is set up very much like a business board room, with white chairs surrounding a glass table. More bare stone walls with the only decoration being a bust of Lear's head and shoulders which eerily lingers in the background. Goneril (Emma Thompson) pours her heart out to her father, seeming desperate to control as much of the kingdom as possible. She shows a mixture of relief and happiness when she is rewarded with a third, much to Regan's discontent. Regan (Emily Watson) nods to her husband as she is determined to show more love for her father, and cannot hide her annoyance when she is awarded the same amount as her sister.

Cordelia (Florence Pugh) is difficult to read as she decides against flattering her father. She appears not to be afraid to speak her mind, yet fails to protest when she is disowned, despite fighting back tears. She clearly does not intend to insult her father, yet remains dignified even in the face of his outburst. When Kent stands up to Lear, Cordelia stands in the background, silent and watching the encounter. She speaks with a bitter tone when she makes it known to France and Burgundy that it is honesty which has deprived her of the King's grace, and Hopkins' careful delivery of Lear's chilling response to Cordelia is ice-cold: "Better thou hadst not been born than not to have pleased me better".

Goneril and Regan close scene 1 with discussions about their aging father. Having them walk out of the castle as they agree that he has too much authority not only provides a smooth transition to Edmund for his monologue, but creates a sense of movement in the plot against King Lear.

Read part 2 here: http://lilliteraturereviews.blogspot.com/2018/06/bbc-king-lear-2018-part-2.html