Looking for Richard 1996

Critics score:
81 / 100

Reviews provided by RottenTomatoes

Susan Stark, Detroit News: Read more

Suzanne O'Connor, New York Times: There are actors' rehearsals and performances, and Mr. Pacino interviews experts, conducts man-on-the-street polls and stages collegial arguments with his cronies. Thus emerges the intricate story of Richard's ambition. Read more

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader: This runs 118 minutes, but it felt like six or seven hours. Read more

Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times: While there's no harm in attempting to make Shakespeare more accessible, it's hard to imagine this film exciting anyone except Pacino's fans and those who are fatally charmed by celebrity actors. Read more

Entertainment Weekly: Read more

James Berardinelli, ReelViews: Looking for Richard is unlike any previous adaptation of the Bard's work, and that's reason enough to give it a shot. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: Having chosen to be actors, they know they cannot respect their craft without embracing its greatest writer. Having chosen to be readers and viewers, we cannot do less, and this film is a delightful inspiration. Read more

Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle: The last half-hour drags. Read more

Geoff Andrew, Time Out: Pacino's first film as writer/director is a marvellously intelligent, witty and imaginative exploration of the problems faced by anyone wishing to act in Shakespeare or translate the plays to film. Read more

Variety: Read more

Godfrey Cheshire, Variety: High-spirited and infectiously energetic. Read more

Lloyd Rose, Washington Post: An astute, funny, loving and occasionally even beautiful documentary about actors preparing to do a play. Read more