KING LEAR Film - Act 4, Scenes 3, 4, 5

Stream on Amazon Prime Episode 11  

ACT FOUR

4.3

Lear’s condition has degenerated severely since Kent sent his message to Cordelia prior to the storm. Now in the storm, circumstances are even more dire and Kent is eager to hear a report of Cordelia.  The First Knight does not just reiterate what has happened, but was so stirred by Cordelia’s reaction that he becomes entranced in the memory and relives the moment.  Despite the devastating exchange when they last parted, Cordelia is deeply moved by the news of her father’s failing health.  Both Kent and the Knight find relief and even hope in the fact that despite the betrayal, a loving bond still endures. 

4.4

When Cordelia receives the letter describing Lear’s madness, we witness her internal struggle.  She has become a Queen and is now preparing for battle against her own people.  She is strong in the first scene, but now has gained a different, deeper kind of strength.  She has gained maturity and gravitas through responsibility, yet we are also privy to her vulnerability as she is faced with news of her father's poor health.

 This month Air India’s Inflight Entertainment Worldwide introduces “Gladiator 2”, “Conclave” and “Tikkun Olam” to its lineup.

“Tikkun Olam” is a short film, reviewed as "an urgently needed story of hope, with blistering performances". In this film a young boy in Washington, D.C. brings dignity to a homeless veteran. The film’s central theme, Tikkun Olam - or healing the world - was inspired by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sack's book “To Heal A Fractured World”.  I was pleased to have done the lead.

Air India is recipient of the 2024 Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment Award at the World Travel Awards (WTA) – the leading awards program in the airline industry.

KING LEAR Film - Act 2 Scene 4

Stream on Amazon Prime - Episode 6

When Lear arrives at Gloucester’s, the political tensions that have been building towards upheaval breach the surface, while the impending storm looms inevitably closer. This scene is structured around a slow build towards a breaking point, yet at its heart is only deterioration. The stability of the kingdom, alliances, familial bonds, and Lear’s health and sanity all begin to fall apart.

The Fool, ever shrewd to the point of seeming prescience, warns Kent of what is about to happen.  He is alarmed by the changes he sees in Lear and, knowing Goneril and Regan’s true nature anticipates that he is about to be pushed into further devolution. He urgently cautions Kent that Lear’s decline will be swift and brutal, that it has already begun, and that it will not end well for those who follow. This moment is particularly poignant, as the Fool speaks to Kent not as Caius, but as himself. In that sense, it echoes the moment of recognition during 1.4, but goes beyond that brief silent exchange. This is not a moment of commiseration; rather the Fool is compelled by his very nature to warn Kent of the danger of following a doomed man. Yet he also knows that neither Kent nor himself will head that warning. They are both steadfast in their devotion to Lear and, however foolishly, will remain at his side in spite of what is to come, and indeed because of it.

OTHELLO Master Class 7

 OTHELLO Master Class 7

Audio Podcast Series of Master Classes for Professional Actors exploring Othello with Alexander Barnett - This class is an continuing in-depth discussion of the character Desdemona.

The Eyes of Van Gogh in Spain

A cultural center in Spain has presented my film The Eyes of Van Gogh calling it "a cinematographic work that offers an intimate and profound vision of the life and challenges faced by the iconic painter." Greatly appreciated.  Presenter  The film is streaming on Amazon Prime.  

KING LEAR Film - Act 4, Scenes 1, 2

 Stream on Amazon Prime Episode 10      

ACT FOUR

 4.1

Gloucester has endured torture and disfigurement, yet like Lear, he achieves belated clarity through his suffering.  His mental anguish thus far eclipses the considerable physical pain he is in.  As Gloucester is cast into exile from his own home and left with no life, no future, no possibilities, his condition ironically mirrors Edgar’s own flight from Gloucester’s persecution.  Yet rather than desperately seeking survival, the only driving force that compels Gloucester onward is his crippling guilt.  His only wish is that he might have the chance to touch Edgar again and seek his forgiveness, yet he knows that to be hopeless.   He is overcome by the futility of his existence and is eager to end his own life and put an end to this total despair.

Gloucester realizes that he has wasted his life and his sudden insight has come too late.  Yet Gloucester also proved his loyalty and courage in aiding Lear despite the consequences he knew he might face; despite his abject state, we see that Gloucester has in fact changed. Previously, believing in Edgar’s betrayal despite little evidence, Gloucester turned quickly toward thoughts of revenge and became fixated on bringing his patricidal heir to justice.  Now, however, Gloucester expresses no desire to seek revenge on Edmund, even when the evidence against him is irrefutable. Instead, Gloucester thinks only of Edgar and how he has wronged him.  Any anger he feels is directed only towards himself for being so foolish.

Cry, the beloved country

"Well, when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal" - Richard Nixon.

This is on every single person who voted for Donald Trump - I'll be very generous and say especially on those who voted a second time.

You now have the government you deserve.

Your innocent children and grandchildren will pay for this.  For who knows how long.  If he is reelected then probably forever.

Unfortunately, so will the rest of us.