Interrelation between Shakespeare’s Richard III and Pacino’s Looking for Richard

Running head: ENGLISH ESSAY
English Essay
Name of the Student-
Name of the University-
Author note-

1ENGLISH ESSAY
Introduction
Aiming to understand the interrelation between Shakespeare’s Richard III and Pacino’s
Looking for Richard, the paper endeavors to shed light on the important and common ideas
vested in both the literary genres. While Shakespeare’s “Richard III” was contextualized on the
Elizabethan and Renaissance, Pacino’s “Looking for Richard” is based on the modern context.
Although the varied contexts, the literary canon is shaped, reinforced and furthered by modernist
filmmaker as Pacino. The textual conversations are evident in the prevalent themes, ideologies
and audience appeal. This paper will argue for the idea that literary composers are highly
influenced by the values and concepts of other authors. The following paragraphs will analyze
the two diverse literary forms in light of the comment by Pacino.
Discussion
A closer examination of Shakespeare’s Richard III will reveal that the text encapsulates
the theme of power. The theme of power is reinforced in the manner in which the conflict
between good and evil is projected. Shakespeare’s Richard III emphasizes upon the notion of the
Machiavellian rise of the hero and the gradual short reign of the King. A closer scrutiny will
project that Richard III provides ample evidence for the political turmoil prevalent at the
prescribed time. In his play, Shakespeare had incorporated the techniques of the usage of
emotive scenes and usage of impactful dialogues that reflect the sense of tension and power.
“Since I cannot prove a lover,
... I am determined to prove a villain.” (Shakespeare and Holland 2017)

2ENGLISH ESSAY
Shakespearean technique of the incorporation of the theme of power can be traced in the
relevant dialogues and the sequence of actions. From the very outset, Richard is seen exercising
his power over the meager and meek. The context of this play is the depiction of the tyrannous
rule extended by Richard III. However, due to the limitation of the cultural context of the
Elizabethan time, Shakespeare could hardly delve deeper into the evolutionary and post-modern
aspects. Whereas, the textual conversations move beyond the Elizabethan stage to the Post-
modern documentary. The director strives to communicate his perceived ideas related to the
presentation of Shakespearean ideas, values and thoughts. Pacino goes onto mention that he had
resorted to reanalyze and present the important aspects of Richard III. Pacino also emphasizes
upon analyzing Shakespeare’s Richard III employing different angels and using appropriate
props such as costumes and other elements. In his “Looking for Richard”, Pacino encapsulates
these values in the contemporary context of the world. It is also seen that the documentary of
Pacino captures the textual conversations. Recent studies project the fact that English literary
canon is often constituted by the ideas related to intertextuality. “Looking for Richard” is
indebted to the Shakespearean values related power and related ideologies. Pacino’s own
comment mentions about the modern conceptions and feelings that can be tested against the
Shakespearean background. Pacino had re-imagined the Shakespearean values and ideas in
“Looking For Richard”. It is seen theta Pacino had re-imagined the theme of power in a post-
modern context. The theme of power is subverted to depict the power of literature in molding
the modern life. The technique of cross questions by the producer serves to emphasize the notion
that modern and mundane life often overpowers the aspects of literature. In the documentary,
the ultimate scene concludes with the portrayal of the end of the tyrannical rule of Richard III.
This is reflective of the Shakespearean values of the final redemption and the gradual