'King John' is one of Shakespeare's least popular and performed (pretty rare now) plays. In a way it is understandable, with other plays of his having more clarity to their stories and characters that stick in the mind more, though John himself is interesting. That is not to say that it should be obscure, it doesn't deserve that. Enough of the story does intrigue, boasting some great moments like the dungeon scene, and it is very hard to go wrong with Shakespeare's language.
Other than reading the play, a good way of getting acquainted with 'King John' is through this BBC production if you are one of those who loves talented casts, wants to see as many Shakespeare productions as possible (with perhaps particular interest in the lesser known or not as freqently/rarely performed ones) and wants to see as much of the BBC Television Shakespeare series as can be managed. Saw 'The Life and Death of King John' for all three of those things. It is not among the best of the series, but also not among the worst and actually found it to be better than some of the series' productions of the more famous Shakespeares (i.e. 'Romeo and Juliet', 'A Midsummer Night's Dream').
'The Life and Death of King John's' biggest drawback is the production values, apart from some nice video directing. The costumes and lighting are pretty dreary for my tastes but it was the pretty cheap looking sets that fare worse, especially the outdoor scenes where a pretty poor job is done trying to make them convincing as outdoor sets. There have been more intensity at times, parts are on the static and vague side.
Do agree too that having the dungeon scene in its entirety would have given that scene here more emotional impact, it's still poignant but doesn't quite wrench the heart as much as it could have done. Did find Charles Kay slightly mannered as Philip.
However, the video directing is suitably intimate while also being opened up just the right amount. The music is a lovely touch, it fits beautifully and is great on its own too. The production does nobly in making the drama as clear and accessible as possible, not always succeeding but that's down to the play itself than the stage direction. Enough of the tension and poignancy does come through, like in the dungeon scene and the argument between John and Hubert. Can't fault Shakespeare's text of which Philip's end of Act 2 soliloquy is the highlight.
It's the cast that 'The Life and Death of King John' is most worth seeing for. Seeing Leonard Rossiter, known for comedic roles, in a dramatic role and in Shakespeare was of great interest to me, and he proved to be riveting in the title role showing John's admirable strengths as well as obvious faults. A great thing that he managed to make King John so dimensional and more complex, personally associated him when younger as rather villainous reading history books portraying him as that. George Costigan is the other standout, showing great authority in his role with ease. Steely Mary Morris, heartfelt Claire Bloom and loyal John Thaw are also very good.
Altogether, worth uncovering. 7/10
