Ralph Fiennes plays Richard III: 'I can add colours to the chameleon'

Ralph Fiennes performs Richard, Duke of Gloucester’s soliloquy from Henry VI, Part III. Fiennes is starring in Rupert Goold’s production of Richard III at the Almeida theatre, London, until 6 August. Richard III will be the first Almeida Theatre Live broadcast in partnership with Picturehouse Entertainment. It can be seen in cinemas around the world on 21 July.
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[@mostlypixels2975]

"Many lives stand between me and the throne" - Me when there's a queue for the toilet.

[@susanboyd5471]

😂

[@greencraig8570]

Carry On Shakespeare!

[@eS-ql7vm]

Two years and I still think about this comment. I would be lying if I told you I haven’t used this line queued up for the bathroom

[@mostlypixels2975]

@@eS-ql7vm I haven't thought about this video since leaving that comment until today completely out of the blue for some reason. Then I got an alert that you left a comment under mine. Weird.

[@robertclive491]

The worst thing about this awful joke is it's not even accurate.

[@undeadshook]

"I can smile, and murder while I smile" the bard is timeless

[@Marco_Venieri]

his words penetrating the real sense of things

[@Odin029]

One of my favorite lines from Shakespeare. There are so many, but this whole soliloquy has always stuck out to me.

[@byronofrothdale]

That's actually my favourite Shakespeare's sentence.

[@tedpilledtonysoprano5512]

As relevant As ever. Imagine a Richard geared by modern PR.

[@byronofrothdale]

@@tedpilledtonysoprano5512 If someone speaks The King's is definitely him. 😊

[@StargazerNorth1]

I can't think of any other actor working today who can be so sinister, and yet so charismatic at the same time. The perfect Richard III.

[@tomservo75]

You should see Ben Cumberbatch's version in the Hollow Crown.

[@cherylhulting1301]

Learned it from Sir Laurence and learned it well, didn't he? 😊

[@cogithefool4284]

Sir Anthony Hopkins

[@angelamoore6459]

Agree he was the best Richard III I've ever seen!

[@Meow33109]

Benedict Cumberbatch monologue Act 1!

[@jarjarabrams7748]

this is genuinely really scary

[@spudrow2004]

you should check out Benedict cumberatch, i got chills watching him in the Hollow Crown

[@gwendys3332]

‘Casisimir the great, (haha) So called...’ - Damn he was scary as the SS commander in Schindlers list!

[@tomservo75]

Actually I thought Voldemort would be a lot scarier than that.

[@ffsf739]

This gave me goosebumps. Hearing a great actor reciting Shakespeare is like hearing Bach or Mozart. Pure beauty!

[@ithemba]

exactly!

[@Omar-sx6sj]

ffsf739 Ist das Bach, ist das Bach, nein Mozart

[@friendlyworm420]

Nicely put into words. Thanks

[@friendlyworm420]

@@Omar-sx6sj AHH!

[@kakarotwolf]

YES!! Exactly! I've rewatched this so many times, as well as the one with Damian Lewis, and each time they give me goosebumps.

[@adelaidewatts1813]

Wow, I never thought I’d hear a better Richard III than Ian McKellan, but he manages it. That was legitimately terrifying.

[@maxhalsted5381]

You should see him in film adaptation of coriolanus. He and gerad butler were amazing

[@PatBatemanAtDorsia]

thats great Mr.Fiennes, but this is your child support hearing.

[@cicerogsuphoesdown7723]

Pat Bateman underrated

[@user-wn8mc1yc1g]

hahahah

[@ffsf739]

LOL

[@seanlynch2417]

This comment almost made me cough up a lung from laughter

[@RjBenjamin353]

😂😂😂

[@olleronn616]

"Tut" is a word that needs to be thrown about more.

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

This performance by fiennes and Damien Lewis's performance as Antony are my two favorites in this series of quick orations. Both are fantastic

[@JohnDoe-dj3lw]

I agree, clearly the best out of the whole series

[@blurgle9185]

If you want another great nugget of Shakespeare, here's Orson Welles doing Falstaff kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHuZp2p9fb53mK8

[@kakarotwolf]

YES!! I completely agree, those two are the ones that I constantly go back to.

[@nicolastossenberger6066]

Personally I really like the David Morrissey one.

[@mpjmcevoy1]

@@kakarotwolf I have a major soft spot for Tony Head doing Wolesley from Henry VIII - such an obscure monologue, but beautiful

[@zacharymathey3901]

I love the "i can add colors to the chameleon" it so well delivered

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

It’s easy to make jokes about the fact that he played Voldemort but you watch this performance and it immediately becomes clear why he was hired for the job. It takes someone with this level of craft to make a villain who looks like that have any genuine menace and strike fear within the viewer whilst watching the films. He’s absolutely magnetic.

[@Xarfax321]

Too bad Voldemort was not menacing in the films.

[@wendyhardin5259]

Watching him as Voldemort he was mesmerizing.

[@TheIfifi]

Consider if you were really the target audience.

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

@@TheIfifi I was six when the first movie came out.

[@RitamBuchwald]

The way he delivered it I could actually comprehend the words this was brilliant, words that I struggled to fallow in other renditions. This makes so much more sense.

[@maxhalsted5381]

He becomes Richard III

[@tretower57]

It’s said that that is the mark of the best Shakespearean actor-they say it and convey the emotions in such a way that you can understand it.

[@LordHazari]

I’ll make my heaven to dream upon the crown, And, whiles I live, to account this world but hell, Until my mis-shaped trunk that bears this head Be round impaled with a glorious crown. And yet I know not how to get the crown, For many lives stand between me and home: And I,-like one lost in a thorny wood, That rends the thorns and is rent with the thorns, Seeking a way and straying from the way; Not knowing how to find the open air, But toiling desperately to find it out,- Torment myself to catch the English crown: And from that torment I will free myself, Or hew my way out with a bloody axe. Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile, And cry ‘Content’ to that which grieves my heart, And wet my cheeks with artificial tears, And frame my face to all occasions. I’ll drown more sailors than the mermaid shall; I’ll slay more gazers than the basilisk; I’ll play the orator as well as Nestor, Deceive more slily than Ulysses could, And, like a Sinon, take another Troy. I can add colours to the chameleon, Change shapes with Proteus for advantages, And set the murderous Machiavel to school. Can I do this, and cannot get a crown? Tut, were it farther off, I’ll pluck it down.

[@TheCousinEddie]

Fantastic piece of work by Mr Fiennes but I'm curious as to why "Until my mis-shaped trunk that bears this head Be round impaled with a glorious crown" was left out of this version. This is my favorite part of Gloucester's lament.

[@bitterly_sorrying]

Thank thee.

[@tayedshahrear6838]

Thank you so much

[@starranger9410]

Who else expected Ralph Fiennes to laugh maniacally as the screen faded to black?

[@naly202]

I did!!!!

[@lordrotarec]

I think it's better like that. It add gravitas and leaves you with this lingering threat that never really goes away.

[@RacinZilla003]

YOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUU COMMON CRY OF CURS!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cherylhulting1301]

Ralph is too fine an actor to do something so cheesy. That's why he just nailed that scene. If you haven't seen him do Shakespeare, trust me - you're missing out.

[@DeuceSF]

It's literally taught not to add "acting" on to Shakespeare as the words should do that job alone. However I was expecting it haha.

[@kasetophono]

BRIIIIII lliant!

[@ChancellorM1YT]

That's got to be the coldest line of all time. I can't get it out of my head. What a genius.

[@amegreycat]

I have rewatched this clip countless times. Everything is perfect: the backdrop, the music, his intonation.

[@milocunningham9473]

Outstanding

[@soldierside365]

Saw him performing Richard III live some years back and I’m so glad I did. Honestly, the best live performance I’ve seen.

[@edmonddantes3640]

As we say here in Texas, " You lucky dawg!!!! "

[@brendaharper5998]

OH MY GOD!! I adore Ralph Fiennes! And as Richard III? Voldemort can't hold a candle to Shakespeare's Richard, for craft, for drive, for duplicity. This wee sip only whets my thirst for more!

[@MilesDavis2012]

Other writers write until they find some poignant line or two, then write a bunch of prosaic stuff around it to vaguely support it. Shakespeare just kept going with the full energy of the line, not just for a few more lines, but often for pages. It's hard to remember to breathe while reading through many sections of his plays, and almost impossible to find a prosaic or uncritical section in any of his work. Even his comedies are full of astounding and timeless wisdom.

[@CaptainLuckyLuke]

Well said.

[@kirikou2595]

The last two verses were amazing, perfection and acting at its finest. I cannot believe he delivered the last two verses so.... ah, I am lost for words!!!!

[@theena]

I love how he gives himself a stoop to augment the evil of his words. Perfection.

[@maxhalsted5381]

King Richard all perfectly

[@melissaking6019]

Ralph is mesmeric playing Shakespeare. He is a master of voice, verse and character! I saw his Coriolanus over 20 years ago in NY and he was brilliant. The best theatrical performance in 40 years of attending plays along with Derek Jacobi's King Lear.

[@OBGynKenobi]

The non blinking makes it spookier.

[@maxhalsted5381]

Indeed

[@melodyreyes2071]

such passionate and wit, Ralph is amazing!

[@byronofrothdale]

Richard iii indeed sent Maquiavelli to school since Il Principi was published in 1530s. The sun of York died in 1485...

[@Theomite]

See? This is what I come to the internet for!

[@holly7869]

I've watched this several time and it never fails to raise goosebumps. You believe it.

[@maxhalsted5381]

Ralph Finnes was perfect

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

He is one hell of an actor. Anyone who saw him play Amon Goeth in Schindler's List will attest to that. He gave me a major dose of the creeps when I watched it.

[@ClintoriusMaximus]

Powerful. One of the greatest Performers of our time...

[@hsepo]

I am hypnotized..what an actor

[@maxhalsted5381]

I thought he was Richard III

[@TheSerpico32]

Simply Amazing! Ralph Fiennes your a pure talent!

[@maxhalsted5381]

I thought he was King Richard III

[@user-sf3fe4bh2q]

Ralf Fiennes is an amasing actor! I adore him!❤

[@azmodanpc]

"you ARe an INANIMATE Object!" I loved Fiennes in In Bruges. Mad props

[@ziggytonumaa]

One of the finest actors of our time

[@audreyann1975]

Ralph Fiennes is one of the greatest Actors ever to live!

[@comeacross9]

His dining room discussion with his father,played by Paul Scofield in "Quiz Show", is one for the ages. He also gave a bone chilling performance of Amon Goeth,the vile prison warden in "Schindler's List." He is a great one.

[@edmonddantes3640]

@@comeacross9 strongly agree.

[@edmonddantes3640]

@@comeacross9 Fair Winds my friend.

[@brettdando]

Seeking a way (and yet straying from the way)

[@steerpike66]

Now there's someone I want to see in the role. Cumberbatch was hamstrung by unimaginative direction. Fiennes has tremendous reserves of charisma and smooth charm to go with his darker skills.

[@steviejd5803]

Wow! I am very impressed. He scared the living do do out of me. I did manage a thin smile with Richard at the end, but more with relief than joy.

[@bagrym]

so calm and yet so much threat in it...

[@tiko545]

this is mesmerizing. one of the greats of our time.

[@joew.3354]

Ralph Fiennes is a legend

[@macabro716]

He is amazing

[@maxhalsted5381]

Absolutely sends chills down my spine

[@arladicey]

Always such an extraordinary actor; and he was gorgeous when he was younger, and I can still see the beauty in his amazing eyes. Those eyes...

[@carolturner6189]

Wow!! What an actor!!

[@charmaineelizabeth7051]

FREAKING BRILLIANT

[@fuferito]

Seeing how young Niccolò was just 16 years old, in Florence at the time of Richard's death, Shakespeare turned out to be right. Richard did, indeed, "set Machiavel to school."

[@d.l.jardine-dq3kp]

absolutely beautiful performance

[@reisekeller6859]

Superb actor!!!

[@tomtrinchera8405]

Anyone see his vers of Coriolanus. Not highly praised by the critics but it's really good.

[@marichristian1072]

I thought it was a superb production! What do the critics know?

[@fuferito]

Bought the DVD. Just the scene alone of him scolding the crowd of protesters is worth the price.

[@DeniseInChains]

This man... ❤

[@scout005]

The dude barely blinks for a minute and a half! That's some fearful, shark eyeballs going on. Great stuff.

[@marinakrsmanovic3871]

He is so perfect i could listen to him 24/7 ❤️

[@TrayDyer38]

If I could hang with this guy for one day and ask him one question, it would be, “seriously, spill the beans, how in the hell did you prepare for your roll as Amon Goeth in Schindler’s list?”

[@davidlucey1311]

Now that’s what I call acting.

[@ashleyartus]

I ADORE HIM.X.

[@vladtepes97]

i want that background drone playing when i explain to my daughter why she can't have the car tomorrow night.

[@bohdyburmich7165]

You sir, are an actor.

[@chopin65]

Wow. That gave me chills. England has Shakespeare. The world will never catch up.

[@aurorar.6409]

simply Marvelous ! one of the greatest actors ever .

[@DutchPlanDerLinde]

Sir this is a Wendy’s

[@thomasmuller1662]

😂

[@johnnydtractive]

This is a great actor. A story we know inside out, & yet you watch this brief moment & it's like the whole story is fresh & newly told. Who can watch this & not want to see more, not want to hear the story of this character told in the unique way Ralph Fiennes wishes to tell it. I certainly hope his performance was recorded.

[@jarkkoautio8318]

Shakespeare forever!

[@kentondickerson]

I was expecting this speech in Parseltongue.

[@brendapascale786]

What actor he is!

[@beruduassasin]

what the hell? that was so good it is ridiculous!!

[@laganas2008]

You're a fackin' inanimate object!!

[@alunchurcher7060]

Shakespeare was a genius writer of great plays. Just listen to this speech to try to see how great he was at his art. Yes in school you may of doing Shakespeare's plays, but did you hate via peer pressure or from your own mind.

[@charmaineelizabeth7051]

"Can I do this and can not get a Crown!"

[@johnmulvey5121]

He does that very well. No fuss or gimics . Simple and powerful.

[@ambernicolecartwright2136]

Yeah he is perfect for this role

[@louisemcelheron3234]

Chills

[@MKECBS1]

Not just a great actor, also winner of the 'don't blink' competition 2016.

[@RealBanz]

A impressive detail with the illusion of a hunched back.

[@claudiagennaio4954]

Terrific.

[@amandalogan89]

God his voice is just fantastic!

[@matthewrmyers]

Magnificent!!!

[@maxhalsted5381]

I agree completely

[@trifidos39]

My favorite actor

[@user-hm6ud9eh1j]

One of the greatest Actors in whole history! Amazing man!

[@tonypayson8306]

Loving the slow build. It's perfect.

[@kapnerad]

Can't WAIT to see this on screen!!

[@GrayNeko]

Look, I'm sure Mr. Fiennes is a great guy IRL. But let's be honest, the man has a unique abilty to scare me shitless!

[@cherylhulting1301]

The funny part is that I've met Ralph; he has a certain intensity and in person he's quiet, reserved and a bit shy, but kind. That's the kind of actor he is.

[@justice7219]

i enjoyed the intensity of the reading, and of the musical score that was provided.

[@frankyg821]

This has deeply touched me ever since it came out. I think about it often

[@duncanwhyyou611]

He blinked only twice..

[@ThePosichris]

Brilliant and haunting

[@maxhalsted5381]

Ralph Fiennes became King Richard III

[@supermardikian]

I’ll make my heaven to dream upon the crown, And, whiles I live, to account this world but hell, And yet I know not how to get the crown, For many lives stand between me and home: And I,-like one lost in a thorny wood, That rends the thorns and is rent with the thorns, Seeking a way and straying from the way; Not knowing how to find the open air, But toiling desperately to find it out,- Torment myself to catch the English crown: And from that torment I will free myself, Or hew my way out with a bloody axe. Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile, I can add colours to the chameleon, Change shapes with Proteus for advantages, And set the murderous Machiavel to school. Can I do this, and cannot get a crown? Tut, were it farther off, I’ll pluck it down.

[@lightbox617]

astonishing and great.

[@robinsings]

LOVE LOVE LOVE..

[@AvvocatodiTito]

I bought the dvd, and it was worth it. All the actors were excellent. Especially, Anne, Hastings and Tyrrell surprised me. Such performance should be more renowned.

[@Xarfax321]

Where did you get the dvd? :O

[@AvvocatodiTito]

@@Xarfax321 I ordered it on the website "premiere opera". Just write "richard III fiennes" on the search bar and you'll find it. And, I have to say, it was well spent money.

[@friendlyworm420]

@@AvvocatodiTito can’t find it 😢

[@WorgenGrrl]

I like the way he angled his posture just so, to give you the illusion of the hunched back of Richard III.

[@selder_7]

1:00 when I find out that Burger King don’t give out the little paper crowns anymore

[@fionnsexton9023]

The BK guy on the plane had a 2001-level effect on the paper crowns

[@rishabhaniket1952]

Always rated Fiennes above his peers and also the next gen, even above DDL.

[@mariahaydee2853]

Fantastic

[@wcraigburns3458]

Genius . Encapsulates the malignant odour of the bards dark words . As a Scot I love Robert Burns but Shakespeare is the boss . Mr Fiennes plays this to perfection .

[@tomservo75]

I'd love to see his full performance if available! Great actor and VERY underrated scene and play too.

[@FlorisGerber]

do you really think that this play, and especially this soliloquy are underrated? Underrated by whom? By fools? Certainly. By afficionados? Certainly not. Underated amongst what? Amongst Shakespeares plays? Do you see that by claiming yourself to be judge about what is underrated, you make yourself look as if you tried to stand above shakespeares work? Seriously, declaring something to be "underrated", usually something of unimpeachable quality, is only surpassed in annoyance by the people who ask "Am I the only one who noticed...?" Let's meet at: "Great Actor, great scene, great play."

[@Slice9878]

Ralph and Larry make a great Richard III

[@S31625]

Wow amazing

[@drdfrgplls]

"One can add colors to a chameleon, but fail to take over a high school." - M. Gandhi, 1987

[@andretorres75]

outstanding!