Olivier and Shakespeare: An Analysis Essay

Total Length: 1684 words ( 6 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 2

Page 1 of 6

Olivier's philosophy of taking a body of work, molding it into an actor's own style and visual taste, and then regurgitating it in a way that incorporates both classical theater and modern dramatic actions and reactions, was something he was famous for. He remained true to Shakespeare's intentions of his plays acting as both entertainment and as warnings to humankind that in the proper settings and situations, human interactions can become quite insane or illogical. This is the eternal message that Shakespeare intended be delivered by the actors that would play his roles both in the old times and in more modern times (Cottrell, 199). Olivier makes good on his promise as an actor to deliver these messages of humanity to every audience member.

Overlap and Conclusion

Nearly all of Olivier's work overlaps in some ways. Many impersonators, including Peter Sellers were able to take Olivier's style and dramatic character delivery and make fun of the consistency and hyper-dramatic nature (Spoto, 88). Yet the experience of being impersonated, even with much hyperbole and exaggeration shows that Olivier certainly had a specific acting style and attitude that was easily identifiable and universally recognizable.
Olivier is perhaps known best for his dramatic style, yet all of his movies in the Shakespearean body of work exhibit certain similarities between the way the characters were portrayed and how Olivier chose to both deliver lines and give the audience a candid glimpse into the world of Hamlet, Richard III, and Henry V (Spoto, 90). All of these roles were roles where Olivier could use his genius in sculpting a very believable character and story out of his own dramatic and thematic actions.

Throughout Oliver's career he was forced to adapt his style and delivery in many ways and on many occasions. All in all, Olivier was a true master at theater and acting as his ability to subtly yet recognizably change his acting style to accommodate different roles is evidenced in his body of work. Yet at the same time, Olivier is able to stay true to his own classical acting genius, and in this way carries his talent and knack for timing and emphasis through all of the Shakespearean films he was involved in......

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Olivier And Shakespeare An Analysis" (2010, July 26) Retrieved May 7, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/olivier-shakespeare-analysis-9450

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Olivier And Shakespeare An Analysis" 26 July 2010. Web.7 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/olivier-shakespeare-analysis-9450>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Olivier And Shakespeare An Analysis", 26 July 2010, Accessed.7 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/olivier-shakespeare-analysis-9450