This close study of film adaptations of King Lear looks at
several different versions (mainstream, art-house and cinematic
`offshoots') and 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. There is
plenty of discursive material here to support student work on both film
and literature courses.