Richard II

James Ivory's masterful adaptation of Shakespeare's *Richard II* is a quintessential entry on any "best of" list for the director, embodying the very qualities that define his celebrated oeuvre. Far from being a mere stage capture, Ivory meticulously crafts a film that resonates with his signature elegance and intellectual depth. It features the exquisite period detail and sumptuous yet restrained aesthetics characteristic of Merchant Ivory Productions, setting a visually rich stage for a profound exploration of power, identity, and the downfall of a king, all filtered through the lens of a classic literary source—a hallmark of Ivory's most beloved works. What elevates this particular *Richard II* to a place among Ivory's finest is his daring and insightful approach to character. Notably featuring Fiona Shaw in the titular role, a choice that under Ivory's sensitive direction becomes a profound study, the film delves into the psychological landscape of a monarch grappling with the loss of his divine right and his very sense of self. This intense focus on internal struggle, coupled with a nuanced appreciation for Shakespeare's lyrical language and the often-unspoken shifts in power, aligns perfectly with Ivory's long-standing fascination with complex human relationships and the quiet dramas of the soul, echoing the emotional precision found in his most beloved literary adaptations.