Year 12 Advanced English Essay: Richard III and Looking for Richard

This essay undertakes an in-depth examination of the textual conversations present in Shakespeare's 'Richard III' and Al Pacino's film, 'Looking for Richard.' The analysis centers on Pacino's stated aim to communicate his understanding of Shakespeare to a broader audience, evaluating the extent to which this is achieved through a comparative study of both works. The essay explores key themes such as power, gender roles, and the influence of context (Elizabethan/Renaissance versus modern). It highlights how Pacino reinterprets Shakespearean ideas within a contemporary framework, using film techniques to reinforce these values and engage the audience. The essay also considers the concept of intertextuality, arguing that both literary genres are interconnected. Ultimately, it concludes that Pacino's documentary successfully conveys his interpretation of 'Richard III' and showcases the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's work in the modern world.

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

3ENGLISH ESSAY
dethronement of tyranny. On the other hand, the post-modern techniques of short and crisp
dialogues help in portraying central ideas.
“They’re nor fancy words…But they’re poetry” (Looking for Richard 1996). A closer
examination of the quote will reveal the post-modern take on the language of Shakespeare. This
is emblematic of the idea that Pacino had strived and justified his claims of communicating about
Shakespeare. Following the notions of textual conversations, the documentary traces the poetic
conventions of the plays of Shakespeare to establish the theme of power.
Both the literary genres emphasize upon the theme of gender roles. In Richard III,
Shakespeare projects that the gender roles are vested in the perpetration of the gender
stereotypes. The gender role is seen in the emotional volatility of the characters. In Al Pacino’s
documentary he explores the analysis of the Shakespearean play by communicating about the
values of Shakespeare. Pacino had reshaped the values by including the innovative and post-
modern film techniques. The film technique of the slow background music and the realistic as
well as distorted film shots serve the purpose of Al Pacino’s documentary to re-analyze the
former play in the contemporary context. These film techniques help in furthering the gender
roles vested in the documentary. The usage of the dialogues strives to establish the importance of
the female voice in the film. The powerful female characters can be seen exerting considerable
influence. Pacino’s documentary explores the theme in a post-modern manner.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the two literary renditions present evidence for the intertextuality
and the notion of composer’s dependence on others’ texts. It can also be concluded that the

4ENGLISH ESSAY
Pacino’s statement about the purpose of communicating about Shakespeare in contemporary
times is justified as can be seen in “Looking for Richard”. Therefore, it can be concluded that
Pacino’s audience can get a slice of the director’s obsession with Richard III.

5ENGLISH ESSAY
References
Looking for Richard. (1996). [film] Directed by A. Pacino. Hollywood: Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Shakespeare, W. and Holland, P. (2017). The tragedy of King Richard the Third. New York,
New York: Penguin Publishing Group.