Documentary Movie Reviews
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In from the Cold?
A Portrait of Richard Burton (1988)
Rate:
10
Viewed:
3/26
3/26:
I knew as much as possible about Richard Burton by reading some biographies and seeing enough films of his.
Therefore, I didn't think In from the Cold? A Portrait of Richard Burton would tell me anything new
but was proven 100% wrong. It's actually not a straightforward but rather an oblique documentary. Relatives,
friends, acquaintances, and wives talk about the little things that were part of the esteemed actor's life,
and they're all absorbing to listen to.
Moreover, there are video clips of Richard Burton in various plays on stage and some older movies prior to
My Cousin Rachel that I've never seen before. Of course, his marriage
to Elizabeth Taylor is covered, but it's not extensively fawned over like other works are wont to do. The ending
provides a rare insight into his room of books and certificates from the Academy Award before proceeding with
the funeral procession.
If I'm forced to name three greatest actors from the UK, it's Richard Burton, Michael Caine, and Daniel
Day-Lewis. The last two have a total of five Oscars, but I still find it shocking that the first had never
won a single trophy after being nominated seven times. That voice with such supreme command of the English
language...it's distinct and powerful. Richard Burton never had to wear makeup or undergo dramatic
transformation to become a character; saying the lines, no matter how complicated they were, was merely enough
for him to establish stage presence.
All in all, kudos to Tony Palmer for putting together a great documentary through
In from the Cold? A Portrait of Richard Burton.