King Lear

Not an altogether excellent production. Many cast members don't seem 100% suited to their character or particularly invested. The Fool just sort of spouts his lines, which is unfortunate because his character is so integral to the play's message, Raul Julia as Edmund seems bored with his character or striving too hard for deadpan, and the daughters are just bad across the board. But James Earl Jones' Lear is an absolute revelation. It's difficult to believe this is a live performance, because he hits every dramatic note so precisely and throws himself so recklessly into the role that you can scarcely believe it when he's able to do it again in the next scene. He gets totally lost in the character and when watching this performance we forget he is the vigorous, majestic, noble James Earl Jones and totally accept him as the belligerent, feeble, arrogant King Lear.

I can never understand Shakespeare. What's he trying to say, if anything? That old age is a misfortune that ruins everyone's life? I can discern no other message in this pretentious jumble. They say the Bard is often quoted. The only thing in this play I've heard quoted is "more sinned against than sinning". Brilliant! Let's quote it again: "more sinned against than sinning"! Once more: "more sinned against than sinning". So good! Bob Hope has more quotable one-liners than the Bard, and I think Henny Youngman is wittier than Bob Hope. I will keep trying to give the Bard a chance to impress me, but this is reputed to be his greatest play.

Saw this years ago on TV. And to my mind James Earl Jones IS King Lear, bringing all the gravitas to the role it deserves. And I loved Rene Auberjonois and Raul Julia as well. So happy to see brzeczyk's review, saying that it was available on DVD because I would happily own a copy if I could find it. Guess I'm adding that to my Amazon wishlist now....

This was one of the great experiences of my life, seeing this production on television, and it formed an impression that helped me develop my love for Shakespeare. The open stage in Central Park at night, with nature and the city looming in the background is the ideal venue for this great play. The titanic James Earl Jones makes Lear a force of nature, and the storm does indeed seem to be coming from inside him. I have seen other Lears, but this is the only one that represents the life and breadth and humor of this play with reducing it to an existentialist parade of stereotypes. And Rene Auborjonois' portrayal of Edgar is the quintessential performance of the role.

I also have a vivid memory of Nikki Giovanni's answer to the question of this Lear being accessible to urban audiences, "You don't know King Lear, you don't know your Mama."

Right on.

I have always *felt* that James Earl Jones is a great actor. Unfortunately, I've only seen him in a handful fairly unimpressive movies, I've also known his voice-over work. However, I always had a feeling that this actor is capable of much more than he normally has a chance to show. I have bought the DVD of this production of King Lear because of James Earl Jones although I was not entirely sure what to expect.

Mr Jones' performance surpassed my bravest expectations! James Earl Jones is born for the role of King Lear! I get goosebumps when he delivers the monologues, like the one from Act II scene IV: "You think I'll weep. No, I'll not weep: I have full cause of weeping; but this heart shall break into a hundred thousand flaws, Or ere I'll weep. O fool, I shall go mad!" I have been watching this phenomenal performance for many times now and I can't get enough! I am so grateful that this unique New York open-air performance has been taped and released on DVD. Otherwise, one of the most impressive and moving theatrical performances given by an extremely gifted but underrated actor would get lost.

B.