Which is the best filmed version of King Lear?

I don’t have answer but I’d see anything starring Ian McKellen, Ian Holm or Laurence Olivier.

Ian McKellen’s version from last year wins hands down in my books, and I do know a bit about Shakespeare. I’ve acted in 7 Shakespeare plays. I’ve read most of the plays, but not all. (There are a few that aren’t worth it.) And I’m getting ready to direct my first Shakespearean play this summer—Love’s Labour’s Lost.

My choice would be Tatsuya Nakadai from the movie RAN.
If you are sticking to English Language, go with McKellen. He knows his Shakepeare, and I never cared for Olivier.

Good question, I’d like to know the answer. This is one of my favorite.

Really, I think “faithful” representations of Shakespeare are really more indicative of current culture than of any particular faithfulness to canon. Laurence Olivier seems campy to me compared to other versions, but most folks of a generation concurrent with his work swear that his is the absolute best.

(Then again, I think, Kenneth Branagh is an utter twat. So take that how you will.)

My favorite version is Kurosawa’s Ran. It’s set in feudal Japan, however, so it probably doesn’t fit in with your vision of “faithful.”

I’d be particularly curious to see James Earl Jones’ portrayal. He is such a powerful actor.

@elenuial I love kurosawa’s films. Don’t remember watching Ran, but I’ll be looking for it. Thanks :)

Many thanks. I’m going to go with the McKellen for now.