Lear is such a tricky role for an actor. By the time he has the life experience to truly understand the role, he lacks the energy to play it night after night on stage. That is one of the things that makes this Lear so special, that for once we have an actor who is just the right age to play Lear.
It is true that the film quality, shot for television, is not great, but it truly doesn't matter. Filming for television has other advantages. It's unlikely that Olivier at his age and health could have managed Lear even on a more complication motion picture filming. And all the compromises of TV are worth it to have a record of Olivier's Lear on film.
Even More importantly, a stage production could never have gathered what may be the best supporting cast ever for a Shakespeare film. The two performances that best stood out for me were Diana Rigg's absolute evil Regan, and the gentle crazed brilliance of John Hurt's Fool. Since Mr Hurt seldom did Classic works, his performance is extra special.
But in the end, it's Olivier's Lear that matters. So many great stage performances from actors of his generation were lost. it's a lucky thing indeed to have his Lear.
It is true that the film quality, shot for television, is not great, but it truly doesn't matter. Filming for television has other advantages. It's unlikely that Olivier at his age and health could have managed Lear even on a more complication motion picture filming. And all the compromises of TV are worth it to have a record of Olivier's Lear on film.
Even More importantly, a stage production could never have gathered what may be the best supporting cast ever for a Shakespeare film. The two performances that best stood out for me were Diana Rigg's absolute evil Regan, and the gentle crazed brilliance of John Hurt's Fool. Since Mr Hurt seldom did Classic works, his performance is extra special.
But in the end, it's Olivier's Lear that matters. So many great stage performances from actors of his generation were lost. it's a lucky thing indeed to have his Lear.