| Looking for Richard | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Al Pacino |
| Written by | William Shakespeare Al Pacino Frederic Kimball |
| Produced by | Michael Hadge Al Pacino |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Robert Leacock |
| Edited by | William A. Anderson Ned Bastille Pasquale Buba Andre Ross Betz |
| Music by | Howard Shore |
Production companies | Chal Productions Jam Productions |
| Distributed by | Fox Searchlight Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 112 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $1,408,575 |
Looking for Richard is a 1996 Americandocumentary film directed byAl Pacino, in his directorial debut. It is a hybrid film, including both a filmed performance of selected scenes ofWilliam Shakespeare'sRichard III and a documentary element which explores a broader examination of Shakespeare's continuing role and relevance inpopular culture. The film was featured at theSundance Film Festival in January 1996[1] and it was screened in theUn Certain Regard section at the1996 Cannes Film Festival.[2] Al Pacino won theDirectors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Documentaries.
Pacino plays both himself and the title character, Richard III. The film guides the audience through the play'splot and historical background.[3] Pacino and several fellow actors, includingPenelope Allen andHarris Yulin,[4] act out scenes from the play.[5]
In addition, the actors comment on their roles. Pacino also features other actors famous for performing Shakespeare, such asVanessa Redgrave,Kenneth Branagh,John Gielgud,Derek Jacobi,James Earl Jones, andKevin Kline.[6] Pacino includes interviews with Shakespeare scholars such asBarbara Everett,[7] as well as ordinary people on the street.
The film received positive reviews from critics. On thereview aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes, 82% of 49 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.1/10. The website's consensus reads: "Looking for Richard is a smart, fascinating behind-the-scenes look at adapting Shakespeare."[8]