Shakespeare in Performance: Film
Henry V (1989, Kenneth MacMillan)
| Title | Henry V |
|---|---|
| Year | 1989 |
| Release Locations | GB |
| Director | Kenneth MacMillan |
| Medium | Video |
| Length | 2 hrs, 18 mins |
| Play Connections | Henry V (adaptation) |
Description
Premiered in New York City on November 8, 1989, Kenneth Branagh's Henry V is one of the best Shakespeare movies ever made because it strikes a nearly perfect balance between the demands of Shakespeare's language and the aesthetics of filmmaking. Director and star, Kenneth Branagh, who has been active with London's Renaissance Theatre group, saw his movie not so much as a challenge to Laurence Olivier's famous 1944 production as an attempt to reinterpret Henry V for our own time. At mid-century when Britain was under siege from Nazi Germany, Olivier stressed nationalism and the values of the heroic warrior. In Branagh's contemporary production, the emphasis falls on the personal struggle and maturation of the young prince as he comes to power. In preparation, Branagh interviewed Prince Charles of England, to get a feeling for how a real life prince might feel when walking in mufti among the populace. A distinguished cast supports Branagh, to include Dame Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi, Ian Holm, Paul Scofield, and Alec McCowen
Description from Shakespeare on Screen : an International Filmography and Videography by Kenneth S. Rothwell and Annabelle Henkin Melzer. ©1990 Kenneth S. Rothwell. Cited by permission. — Added 2008-11-14
Cast Overview
Production Team and Crew Overview
Production information courtesy of: Kenneth Rothwell