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Sunday, 12 April 2015

Research: Henry V- Play & Character (Charles VI)

The Hollow Crown: Henry V (2012)
Henry played by Tom Hiddlestone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c69fX3Iy1qQ

Character-
26.45
52.30
1.40.55
1.54.35


Henry V (1989)
Henry played by Kenneth Branagh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zub5yGjm7TM

Character-
34.24
52.18
1.51.44
2.02.46

Both characters are played by older men, maybe in their fifties, and seem to have the typical king like qualities assumed in plays. For example they hold themselves is a strong manner, have good posture, speak well, hold an air of authority etc. 

In the 1989 film in the scene discussing English advances the King appears very solemn, worried about what's occurring due to the painful memories of King Henry's heritage.
On the other hand the 2012 version the King appears more angry and defiant about the advancing attacks. He seems to me more so ready to fight the battle and only spurred on by the memories of what Henry's relatives previously did to France.
I personally like both interpretations, thinking that within my own performance I could use both sides, giving it some light and shade to bring the character to life.

In the 2012 version I see the King a strong, respectable man who says what he must say although at times he wishes he didn't have to be so nice. In the meeting between the two kings at the end of the play I get the impression their is tension between the two, although Charles sounds very polite in what he says I sense in the way he says it he resents what is happening but does it for the sake of his country (or maybe for his own sake). This is the way in which I see Charles to behave because although the scene appears amicable on paper, after just losing a war I can imagine you wouldn't be best please and the air would be heavy with tension.
I get the same impression off the 1989 version, although he seems somewhat more defiant in the way he uses his voice, more angry at the outcome. 

(I used film versions because I found them more accessible, being able to watch the whole play and glimpsing more of their interpretations on my character.)

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