I always feel a little cheated watching Olivier knowing that we, as a film audience, are really getting a second-rate performance from a brilliant actor. "Hamlet" hinted at a more interesting use of inner architecture, but his "Henry" and "Richard" are mere attempts at spectacle, although entertaining and capable attempts. Him speaking directly to the camera for the soliloquies kind of gives away Olivier's cinematic ignorance.
Amidst all these brilliant stage actors is Gielgud, who shines out in his brief role as Clarence. He has a better persona for film, something more visceral, and would later give two of the greatest performances in all Shakespearean film (Henry IV in Welles' "Chimes at Midnight" and Propsero in Greenaway's "Prosepero's Books").
3 out of 5 - Some strong elements
Amidst all these brilliant stage actors is Gielgud, who shines out in his brief role as Clarence. He has a better persona for film, something more visceral, and would later give two of the greatest performances in all Shakespearean film (Henry IV in Welles' "Chimes at Midnight" and Propsero in Greenaway's "Prosepero's Books").
3 out of 5 - Some strong elements