King Lear Film Act 1 Sc. 1

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After 60 years as King, Lear commits the most fatal, consequential and disastrous act of his life.  

ACT ONE   1.1 

The film begins where it ends: a bleak image of death and devastation, shrouded in fog as the survivors look towards an uncertain future.  As the story opens, however, Lear’s castle is lively with anticipation of a future that has been prearranged. Lear's plan to divide the kingdom is not hasty or mad. The details have been carefully thought out and discussed with each of the Dukes. Kent is optimistic, excited by the prospect of Cordelia in control of the largest and most influential share. Likewise, Cornwall and Albany acknowledge their approval and look forward to receiving their own shares. Lear acts out of well-intentioned generosity, desiring neither rivalries nor war, though both eventually follow.

            Lear’s demand for a public declaration of love from each of his daughters is not intended to be a contest or a game; the ceremony is but a formality and the shares have been predetermined. Lear, unaware of his daughters’ true feelings, does not wish to test his daughters or cause them undue anxiety; he merely seeks a display of flattery. Goneril is surprised, but quickly sizes up the situation and Regan prepares to do whatever is necessary, following Goneril’s lead. Lear may hold Goneril and Regan in lower regard than Cordelia, but in this moment they ironically understand him better than she does. Regan and Goneril know that the outcome is fixed. Their indulgent speeches will not gain them a larger share, but they are willing to play along lest they lose what was intended to be theirs. They have spent their entire lives subject to their father’s whims and are well practiced at feigning affection and deference.  With power and independence finally within their reach, they will both gladly do what is necessary to secure that future. Lear is warm, doting, and joyful when he bestows upon Goneril and Regan each their own share of the kingdom. Lear is totally convinced by their performances, just as he has always been ignorant of their seep-seated loathing. 

 Cordelia, however, is fearful upon hearing the request. She becomes angry and frustrated with Lear, as she struggles to find an honest response. Lear eagerly anticipates the joy of hearing his favorite daughter’s expression of love. He intends to give her the greatest share, making her the heir apparent, and is all the more let down as a result. Harsh words are exchanged and the paternal bond is broken, yet the conflict is driven by love rather than hatred or hostility. Lear is bewildered, enraged, and humiliated, but above all, he is hurt. His relationship with his beloved daughter is severed, yet in that moment their similarity is painfully evident. Lear speaks cruelly to Cordelia, but the fierceness of his words betrays how deeply he cares for her and how badly she has hurt him. They both realize they are each making a terrible mistake, and are heartbroken by it, but the damage cannot be undone, as they remain alike in their pride and stubbornness. 

Cordelia, though vulnerable, is strong, proud, and resolute throughout the exchange. She is inwardly devastated, but remains outwardly dignified. She is disgusted with her sisters' behavior and struggles with what her father asks of her, but she is never vindictive or nasty to Lear. She is not insolent as she pleads with Lear, rather is determined to communicate that she loves her father dearly, but is too honorable to follow her sisters' actions and taint those real feeling with false words. However, Cordelia’s attack on the veracity of Regan and Goneril’s statements only adds to Lear’s rising anger. No one has ever dared to humiliate him this way before and is reaction is severe. 

Burgundy may tell Cordelia "You have so lost a father/ that you must lose a husband," yet in losing a father and one potential suitor, she gains the love of another. Prior to her fallout with Lear, Burgundy is the likely choice to marry Cordelia. Burgundy is not villainous, but practical. He is bewildered by the sudden turn of events, and upon realizing the deal he was promised has been called off, he quickly withdraws. Conversely, France arrives with no real hope of being Cordelia's chosen husband. He has gotten to know Cordelia over time and the attraction and affection between the two is already established. He recognizes immediately that Cordelia has done nothing wrong and is quick to defend her. He has observed Lear’s behavior over the years and is aware that the once great leader is in decline. He is skeptical of Lear’s impulsive behavior and sizes up the situation quickly, and seizes upon his chance to win Cordelia's favor. He falls in love with her as he watches her defend herself and in turn woos her with his impassioned support. 

Lear loses the two people closest to him in a matter of minutes. For Kent and Cordelia alike, the argument that severs all ties between the two also proves how deeply those ties run. Kent speaks to Lear with an audacity and familiarity that would be unacceptable for any other follower of the king, but he does so out of his love for Lear and desire to protect his old friend’s legacy. Kent’s kind and courteous nature is palpable in the awkward opening moments of the scene. Gloucester does not intend to humiliate his son, but does so because he is thoughtlessly frivolous in his speech. Kent tactfully overlooks Gloucester’s well-intentioned but misguided remarks and treats Edmund with the utmost respect. Kent’s thoughtfulness and compassion in the opening moments may appear to stand in contrast to his forceful demeanor with Lear, but those qualities are the driving force behind his actions throughout the scene. Despite his great respect for Lear, and indeed because of it, Kent intervenes and challenges him. He defends Cordelia’s bravery and honesty. Moreover, he places the well-being of the country above his own. He is not simply losing his temper, but fighting for what he knows to be right and in Lear’s best interest. Once Kent gets going, he cannot stop. Even still, Lear warns Kent four times before ultimately banishing him, proving just how close their relationship really is. Just as with Cordelia, Lear’s disavowal of Kent is utter heartbreak for both of them.  The public aspect of the exchange is damning. Lear has already been humiliated by Cordelia and now has little choice to accept such a display of insubordination.  

Lear’s rash behavior in banishing both Kent and Cordelia is confirmation of Goneril’s suspicions that Lear is deteriorating, although she has yet to witness the full extent of it. When Lear splits the kingdom equally between his two remaining daughters, Regan is shocked and her mind begins racing. Goneril is pleased, but already thinking about what comes next. She knows she must act quickly to remove Lear from all power and that means enlisting Regan’s help. Throughout the scene neither Goneril nor Regan displays any hint of insincerity, until the very last moments when their true nature is seen. They speak to Cordelia with an unrestrained viciousness her former standing, as Lear’s favorite would not have permitted, already enjoying the freedom their acquisition of land and influence allows them. Cordelia is no longer a threat, the other sisters have already begun to scheme, and Lear is left unwittingly vulnerable as he has laid the groundwork for the exact strife he sought to avoid.

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