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.

For more info:

Website: http://www.focusfeatures.com/focusworld

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Following the death of his father, Prince Hal is now Henry V.

Time to be king

In this final instalment of The Hollow Crown, brilliantly narrated by John Hurt, Prince Hal has now risen to power as King Henry V (though thankfully without abandoning the red leather jacket). Following his rebellious shenanigans as a prince, his strategy of seemingly transforming himself has brought mixed results. While some of his advisers note the brilliance of his reformation at the start of the film, there are still those that remain skeptical of his abilities to be an effective King. This comes to a boiling point when Dauphin, the eldest son of King Charles of France, sends him a "gift" of tennis balls to poke fun at his past reputation. The insult of this gesture is enough to ignite Henry's will to invade France in order to claim it as his.

But God said so

Yet again, the role of religious superstition must be noted in understanding the motives of various characters. Though Henry believes that his position as King has been divinely chosen, he is still haunted by the manner in which his father acquired the throne. We see a touching moment of vulnerability when he prays to God to not be punished for the sins of his father. This is, of course, quite contradictory but throughout each of the Hollow Crown plays, it is often difficult to determine whether the actions of certain characters lean more towards being just or self-serving. Not only does Henry see his invasion of France as just, he believes it is ordained by God. However, these complexities are part of the appeal and legacy of Shakespeare's plays.

Let me see you climax

This play shows Hiddleston at his finest. There are countless moments that showcase his talents and he weaves his self-proclaimed love of Shakespeare into the delivery of his lines. Both the "We few, we happy few" and "Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more" speech are delivered to inspire his soldiers, and the delivery of these speeches is so outstanding that the inspiration has overflowed into the army of the actor himself. The fact that the "Once more" speech was the first thing that Hiddleston filmed for the series makes the performance even more incredible, given that it is arguably the character's most climactic moment of all the plays in which he appears. As a bonus, viewers are treated to the immense pleasure of seeing Henry lay on the charm to coax Princess Catherine into marrying him. Putting aside the crude innuendos made afterwards between Henry and the Duke of Burgendy, the scene of him professing his "love" is one that will send many hearts a flutter. Bravo, Hiddleston, bravo.

The complete series of "The Hollow Crown" is already available for DVD purchase.

Previous post on Richard II: http://www.museled.com/2013/09/the-hollow-crowns-richard-ii-triumph-in.html

Previous post on Henry IV (Part 1): http://www.museled.com/2013/10/the-hollow-crowns-henry-iv-part-1.html

Previous post on Henry IV (Part 2): http://www.museled.com/2013/10/the-hollow-crowns-henry-iv-part-2-rise.html

Henry IV (Part 2) is available for viewing within U.S. territories on the PBS website until November 5: http://video.pbs.org/video/2365090800/

Henry V is available for viewing within U.S. territories on the PBS website until November 7: Henry V

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Prince Hal (Tom Hiddleston) transitions from mischievous prince to noble King.

Previously, on The Hollow Crown...

At the end of Henry IV (Part 1), we saw that Prince Hal had made the decision to cast aside the misbehaviour he had developed a reputation for, and prove himself worthy of the throne to not only his father but the entire kingdom. In Henry IV (Part 2), he struggles with the growing pains of making these changes and finds himself between two worlds incompatible with one another.

Move on up

In an early scene, we find Prince Hal (glistening) in a steam room after the battle in which he killed Hotspur. He expresses concerns about having contact with such lowly common folk, including Poins, to whom he is speaking. Poins does not seem particularly phased by the insults, perhaps as a result of conditioning to abide by a social hierarchy in which Hal is vastly high above him. This disregard for the common folk he once treated as friends may be seen as a symptom of his transition into the elitism of nobility.

Following this, Prince Hal and Poins proceed to visit the Boar's Head Tavern in order to play yet another prank on Falstaff. They decide to spy on him, and eavesdrop on his private conversations. The prank seems to echo the events in Henry IV (Part 1), but the outcome is drastically different. What they overhear is Falstaff speaking ill of Hal. Instead of ending in cheerful banter, and shared drinks, the confrontation further strains the relationship between Hal and Falstaff. This stark contrast from the previous instalment demonstrates the progression and evolution of Hal. Hiddleston is presented with an opportunity to emote in a far more serious manner, which he delivers magnificently.

Burning out

At the start of Henry IV (Part 2), we see Falstaff reaping the benefits of his false claims of killing Hotspur. Not only are his clothes lavish, but he has gained a page boy to run errands on his behalf. His character has not improved, though his ego has perhaps been further inflated. When Mistress Quickly attempts to get Falstaff to repay the debts that he owes her, not only does he maneuver his way out of being arrested, he is able to coax her into lending him even more money.

This is the final instalment in which we see Beale's brilliant portrayal of Falstaff and the character is even more dynamic than in Part 1. From the usual robust lines and quick puns, to his surprisingly tender interactions with a prostitute named Doll Tearsheet, to the demise of his status, place in the kingdom, and relationship with Hal, Beale delivers a diverse and dynamic performance well-deserving of being immortalised on film.

Before one King rises, another must fall

Another performance that comes to a close is that of Jeremy Iron's Henry IV. The King's dialogue largely refers back to events from Richard II. Northumberland was once a friend of Richard's, before aiding in Henry IV's seizing of the throne. But just as Richard had prophesied, the tables have turned. Northumberland has turned against Henry IV, and now all of the guilt and weight of past transgressions are catalysing the decline in the King's health. Iron's performance is raw and powerful, showing a fear of death and a desire to leave a lasting legacy.

Arguably, the most emotionally potent scene occurs after Prince Hal pays a visit to his father and falsely believes him to be dead. After expressing some touching sentiments, he takes the crown, and sits on the throne with the crown atop his head. His father's apparent death sinks in, and he breaks down into tears. In that moment, we see that the power a crown brings cannot compare to a child's loss of a beloved parent. Hiddleston brings forth a gravitas that is further built upon in the final instalment, Henry V.

The complete series of "The Hollow Crown" is already available for DVD purchase.

Previous post on Richard II:
http://www.museled.com/2013/09/the-hollow-crowns-richard-ii-triumph-in.html

Previous post on Henry IV (Part 1):
http://www.museled.com/2013/10/the-hollow-crowns-henry-iv-part-1.html

Richard II is available for viewing within U.S. territories on the PBS website till October 18:
http://video.pbs.org/video/2365083796/

Henry IV (Part 1) is available for viewing within U.S. territories on the PBS website till October 26:
http://video.pbs.org/video/2365088720/

Henry IV (Part 2) is available for viewing within U.S. territories on the PBS website till November 5:
http://video.pbs.org/video/2365090800/

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The gluttonous Falstaff (left) and an intoxicated Prince Hal (right)

In the second instalment of "The Hollow Crown," Henry IV (Part 1), the audience is re-introduced to King Henry IV, who was previously seen in Richard II as claiming the throne for himself and passive-aggressively allowing the overthrown Richard to be murdered. This time around, the role is portrayed by Jeremy Irons, whose portrayal conveys the heaviness of the guilt and self-doubt of the misdeeds of his past. He finds himself further stressed by the Percys, who claim to be owed a debt for the assistance they provided in the overthrowing of Richard II, and the misbehaviour of his first-born and heir to the throne, Prince Hal.

A Prince's Moral Ambiguity

The Prince Hal we see in this play is no Prince Charming. Though he has charm, wit, and a sharp mind, the morality of his actions is often questionable. His actions that are done in jest are often at the expense of others, such as the teasing of the slow bartender, Francis, and the practical joke on Falstaff. We also learn early on that he claims to be associating with low-lifes and misbehaving so as to impress the kingdom by dramatically reforming his ways, and being highly revered when he becomes King. Is this deceit too morally repugnant for a future King? Is his misbehaviour the result of a lowered morality due to the company he keeps or is he acting selfishly for his own amusement?

Tom Hiddleston's portrayal has many gleaming moments. Fan-favourites may include the Danny-Zuko-like removing and re-dressing of a Thrilleresque red leather jacket, a very real slap from a large-ring-wearing Jeremy Irons, or perhaps the repeated need to duck when passing in and out of a tavern doorway. More seriously, the transformation from playing a mischievous under-achiever engaging in drunken shenanigans to a regal prince that gains honour on the battlefield and in the eyes of his father is achieved spectacularly. A particularly tremendous moment is the shift in Hiddleston's countenance when a joking game of roleplay leads to a heartfelt plea from Falstaff to not ever be banished from Hal's company; the emotion is virtually tangible.

Gluttony at its finest

The character of Falstaff is likely to also leave a lasting impression. He is a boisterous fellow that believes that the common definition of honour is absurd, for what good is honour when one is dead? He is a hedonistic man, seeking only to gain money through theft, and spend it on food, drink, and sex. His lies are wild and self-serving. Even when caught in a lie, his quick wit and ability for twisting words are immediately used to manipulate the situation to his advantage. Simon Russell Beale's performance is not only strong in delivery, but in physicality. Beale brings one of Shakespeare's most famous comedic characters to life in spectacular form.

Facetious Queries

• - What does a person need to do to get their hands on their own red leather jacket of such fine quality?
• - Was Tom Hiddleston asked to tone down the accuracy of his Jeremy Irons impersonation due to his skilled impersonation-abilities?
• - Is there a massive warehouse with a ton of crowns lying in wait to be used or perhaps some sort of crown-making factory hidden somewhere in London used by the BBC for all its period pieces?
• - Was that tavern girl telepathic? How did she know to climb atop Prince Hal as a means of misdirection?
• - The lengthy post-robbery scene in the tavern showed a highly damp Prince Hal; did someone have to run around spritzing Tom Hiddleston to maintain an optimum level of dampness?

I dare say at least one query has been answered.

Richard II is available within U.S. territories till October 18 on the PBS website:

http://video.pbs.org/video/2365083796/

Henry IV (Part 1) is available within U.S. territories till October 25 on the PBS website:

http://video.pbs.org/video/2365088720/

Henry IV (Part 2) airs on October 11, and Henry V on October 18. Check your local listings.

Previous post on Richard II: The Hollow Crown's "Richard II" - A triumph in America!

The complete series of "The Hollow Crown" is already available for purchase on DVD.

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The complete series of "The Hollow Crown" is already available for purchase on DVD.

Coming to America

On September 20, the first instalment of the BBC hit, "The Hollow Crown," aired on PBS as a part of its long-running "Great Performances" series. This debut was long awaited by Shakespeare fans in America, as well as those who have pledged their allegiance to the army of Tom Hiddleston. Promotion for The Hollow Crown's move to America included a viral video of the man himself instructing Cookie Monster on the merits of delayed gratification:

#TomNomNom hit a million views in a matter of days.

History by Shakespeare 

The first of this Shakespearean tetralogy, Richard II, is a tale that demonstrates parallels to Greek mythologies of doomed protagonists undone by their own hubris. For those unfamiliar with English history, Richard II is a historical figure who reigned as the King of England from 1377 to 1399.

Great Performances, Indeed

Ben Whishaw's BAFTA-winning portrayal of King Richard II is both mesmerising and enigmatic. Several characters demonstrate a propensity for speaking in rhymed couplets to convey heightened emotional intensity, though none indulge in such fanciful speech patterns more so than Richard. As Richard finds himself losing allies, his title, and arguably, his mind, Whishaw's performance only becomes more gripping. His mannerisms, hand movements, and overall delicacy all aid his bringing to life a character that has led a life of privilege and been consumed by it.

Yet another performance worth mentioning is that of Sir Patrick Stewart's. Though John of Gaunt is not present past the second act, he still manages to deliver one of the most famous speeches of the entire play. Stewart commands the screen with eloquence and ease.

Final thoughts

Overall, Richard II is aesthetically pleasing and paints a portrait of a King undone by his lack of compassion for his people, selfish concern for his own well-being and luxury, and lack of understanding of the politics of his royal position.

Viewing aides 

• - During this time period, a King was believed to be divinely selected by God. To go against a King or make efforts to overthrow him was seen as a form of blasphemy. Such religiously rooted fears greatly influence the decision-making processes of the characters.
• - If one character curses another, or speaks of their inevitable downfall (or hardships to come), it should be taken seriously. Shakespeare is highly fond of such curses being used as tools of foreshadowing. (Think back to Romeo and Juliet, as Mercutio's dying words, "A plague o' both your houses," foreshadow the play's ending).
• - Foreshadowing in general runs abundant not only throughout the confines of Richard II, but spanning from this play into the instalments that follow: Henry IV (Part 1), Henry IV (Part 2), and Henry V. 

Henry IV (Part 1) has aired as of September 27, Henry IV (Part 2) is set to air October 3, and Henry V on October 10, on PBS. Check your local listings.

Post on Henry IV (Part 1):
http://www.museled.com/2013/10/the-hollow-crowns-henry-iv-part-1.html

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Presents

THE HOLLOW CROWN

Focus World will release the complete series of THE HOLLOW CROWN (RICHARD II, HENRY IV PART ONE, HENRY IV PART TWO, HENRY V) on iTunes, VOD, and DVD on August 27, 2013.

Produced by Sam Mendes

Directed by Rupert Goold, Richard Eyre and Thea Sharrock

Starring Jeremy Irons, Tom Hiddleston and Ben Whishaw

From executive producer Sam Mendes comes four stunning adaptations of some of William Shakespeare’s most revered works. Featuring an all-star cast including Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers), Patrick Stewart (X-Men, Star Trek franchises), Jeremy Irons (Margin Call), Ben Whishaw (Cloud Atlas, Skyfall), and more, THE HOLLOW CROWN includes Richard II, Henry IV Parts One and Two, and Henry V. Filmed with both epic scope and intimate detail, the rise and fall of kings is brought to life like never before in these internationally acclaimed adaptations.

Runtime: 505 minutes

For more info:

Website: http://www.focusfeatures.com/focusworld

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FocusFeatures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FocusFeatures

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