I’m probably
the least qualified person to review THE HOLLOW CROWN series. I’m not a
Shakespeare nut, his complexity alludes me, however the beauty and the spectacle
of the series captivated me from the first preview. Have you seen that preview?
A big draw
on first look is probably the cast, its chock full of familiar faces, and both
new and old favorites including Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Ben Winshaw,
Patrick Stewart, David Morrisey, John Hurt, and so many more. THE HOLLOW CROWN
is a four part series that both captures the epic scope and intimate details of
the rise and fall of kings. Lady Jenevia broke it down each part:
Richard II,
Henry IV Parts
One and
Two, and
Henry V, so check out her reviews,
and I’m gonna dive into the goodies on the dvd.
The series
has a run time of 505 minutes, and before you start groaning, it’s a fresh look
at Shakespeare that will delight both neophytes and long time lovers of the
Scribe’s works.
Richard II
The first
installment of the four-part series is adapted from Shakespeare’s “King Richard
the Second”, centering on the English king who ruled between 1377–1399. Adapted
and directed by Rupert Goold, Ben Whishaw stars in the title
role. He’s both vain and eccentric, and fairly flamboyant as Richard II,
beautifully demonstrating the downfall of the ruler who sealed his fate after
the disastrous handling of a feud. You’ll also find Patrick Stewart as John of
Gaunt, Rory Kinnear as Bolingbroke and David Morrissey as the
Earl of Northumberland, in this first part.
Not only is
the production top notch, PBS certainly goes for quality, so is the script.
Sure it’s Shakespeare, but hearing it as it was meant to be spoken, and played
out is a shock to the senses but in a good way. Visually you expect the
sweeping landscapes, the flowing robes and jeweled crown, but high caliber English,
well, that tends to be glossed over in the modern telling of classic
Shakespeare.
Bonus Features
The Making
of Richard II (10 Minutes) – A behind-the-scenes featurette with
commentary from Ben Whishaw, director Rupert Goold, Rory Kinnear, executive
producer Pippa Harris, and producer Rupert Ryle-Hodges. Discussion is
based around Whishaw and the qualities he brought to Richard II, as well as the
quality of well-versed Shakespearean actors in the cast.
Henry IV: Parts 1 & 2
Henry IV:
Part 1 & 2 were adapted and directed by Richard Eyre. Jeremy
Irons steps into the role of Henry IV, an older, wiser, and guilt ridden ruler.
Don’t let the title fool you, his son Prince Hal (Tom Hiddleston) fairly steals
the show with his coming of age antics. While the king deals with a rebellion on
the horizon, Prince Hal busies himself with bad company. War breaks out, and it
gives Prince Hal the opportunity to prove himself to his father. Hiddleston is
perfection, as if there was any doubt he would be. He excels as both the
scallywag, and the regal prince.
Henry IV:
Part 2 picks up where Part 1 left off, focusing on Hal’s path to
kingship and, his once companion, Falstaff’s march to the grave. Prince Hal
finds the world he’s made, and the one he wishes to be a part of are highly
incompatible, and struggles through the growing pains. Henry IV’s relationships
crumble as Richard II had prophesized, and his health is in decline. Both
Hiddleston and Irons produce powerful performances as Irons’ king passes, and
Hiddleston’s rises.
Bonus Features
The Making
of Henry IV (10 minutes) – A behind-the-scenes featurette with commentary
from director Richard Eyre, Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Simon Russell Beale,
and Julie Walters. Discussion is based Prince Hal's growing pains and rise to power. There is also focus on the battle of Hotspur and Hal, filming the Battle of Shrewsbury,
and the Fall of Falstaff.
Henry V
Finally we
come to Henry V. Henry V was adapted by Ben Power and Thea
Sharrock. It follows a more mature Prince Hal, now crowned King Henry V. He
struggles to be an effective ruler, plagued but the sins of his father, and his
less than exemplary past. Of all of the Hollow Crown, this is one that is
probably the most well-known, and it is by far also the most enjoyable one.
Hiddleston delivers Shakespeare’s famous
speeches at the siege of Harfleur and on St. Crispin’s Day, both with such
passion, it’s no surprise the man has a legion of crazy fangirls willing to
following him into the pits of hell if need be. I’m sure there were also a fair
number of ovaries that shuttered when Prince Hal delightfully and charmingly woos
the French princess, Catherine of Valois.
Bonus
Features
The Making
of Henry V (10 minutes) – A behind-the-scenes featurette with commentary
from Tom Hiddleston, director Thea Sharrock, Paterson Joseph, producer
Rupert Ryle-Hodges. Discussion focuses on famous speeches, which they filmed while Hiddleston ran along the Thames in the open air.
The Making
of a King (10 minutes) – Behind-the-scenes look at getting the
entirety of The Hollow Crown produced. Discussion is based around the entirety of the series, rediscovering Shakespeare and making it accessible and enjoyable in this modern age.
The
Hollow Crown is available on dvd now, and whether you're a long time Shakespeare lover, or just looking for something spectacular to watch, this should be a welcome addition. If nothing else you'll get to see some seriously talented British thespians showing off their chops and wielding some pretty powerful magic. Shakespeare would be proud.
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