Screen Adaptations: Shakespeare's King Lear A close study of the relationship between text and film

This study of adaptations of King Learlooks at historically neglected, genre-based, cinematic off-shoots of King Lear, moving discussion away from singularly 'auteurist' preoccupations and exploring film versions through the lens of genre. Unlike other recently published studies of Shakespeare on screen, the aim is to open up discussion by acknowledging the worth of mainstream genre readings of the play as well as those 'art house' products which continue to monopolise critical debate. Students will find plenty of material here to support their studies and write informatively on the subject.Focussing on several film versions and adaptations, the book discusses: the literary text in its historical context, key themes and dominant readings of the text, how the text is adapted for screen and how adaptations have changed our reading of the original text. There are many references to the literary text and screenplays and the book also features quotations from directors and critics.

Yvonne Griggs is lecturer in English at De Montfort University.