Richard Armitage Hobbit BOTFA Interview - One I Missed

Can't believe there's a Hobbit BOTFA interview with Richard Armitage that I missed during the PR/Premiere season last year and early this year, but I did.

Another great interview, and just found it this morning. I'm posting here in case someone else missed it too.

I believe Richard is talking about the Battle of Towton:

 http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/battleswars14011600/p/battle-of-towton.htm

and anyone that knows Richard's interest in Richard III will understand completely.  

Now of course I have to go and watch this scene again. Hurry up BOTFA EE.

Day 9 Richard Armitage 31 Day Challenge

A character or role you'd like to see him play

 

 I hope that he will get to play Richard III. 

He's talked about it for a long time.  I think he can still do it, despite the fact he's now older than Richard III was when he was killed at the Battle of Bosworth.  Actors in their 50's and 60's have played Shakespeare's Richard III on stage after all. (I think Olivier was in his 40's when he played R3 on film) Richard Armitage looks younger than his age, could certainly play a man in his 30's.

Think the time to do so may be now.  Think there is a great interest in the historical Richard III these days, not just in Leicester, but around the world. 

By the way, there's an interesting article today about R3's scoliosis:

 http://phys.org/news/2015-04-richard-iii-scoliosis-secret-death.html

Richard talking about Richard III:

 

Show your support -- sign the petition

http://kingrichardarmitage.rgcwp.com/

Richard III Gets a Makeover ....and Catch up this Weekend with King Richard Armitage (KRA) Week

Aneurin Barnard as the future Richard III in The White Queen

I wasn't sure what or if I would post anything for KRA Week this year, but I have had something on my mind regarding Richard III and his public image. You see, I've been watching The White Queen (BBC) on US Cable TV channel Starz these past few weeks and I've become more and more aware that Richard III has had a makeover.  

No, Richard III wasn't ambushed by Hoda and Kathie Lee (American TV presenters - you may remember they interviewed Richard Armitage) and whisked away to have his hair and makeup done, but he has been undergoing a change of image in the public eye recently. 

From this:

 Kevin Spacey as Shakespeare's Richard III (2011)

More  of the actors who played Shakespeare's Richard III 
through the decades

Sir Ian McKellen As Richard III  (1995)

Laurence Olivier as Richard III (1955)

Olivier and his image and interpretation of Richard III was the one I grew up with. I have to confess the scene in the video clip below is still a favorite of mine. Despite the words and the fright wig, there is still something seductive about Olivier's Richard. 

John Barrymore as Richard III (1920's)

Richard Mansfield as Richard III (late 1800's - early 1900's)

To this:

Aneurin Barnard as Richard III in The White Queen (2013)

A fictional Richard III, though not Shakespeare's version

But now a handsome, young, romantic leading man 

Aneurin Barnard was certainly influenced by the discovery of the remains of Richard III:

‘It was a really odd moment to be playing him,’ recalls Aneurin. ‘He’s been dead for 500 years and the disappearance of his body was one of those great historical mysteries. And then he was found.

'I became completely obsessed with looking at his bones and it started to feel like he was haunting me. I started having these weird nightmares where it felt like he might enter my body and seek vengeance. “Oh God, he’s coming for me!”’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2355896/How-Richard-IIIs-skeleton-spooked-Aneurin-Barnard-man-playing-The-White-Queen.html

Despite this new image, Richard III's story is still waiting to be told. 

For some of us this will be a holiday weekend. What better way to spend it than catching up on the very informative interviews and blog posts from KRA Week 2013.

Click HERE 

Resemblance? 






Aneurin Barnard tweeted a link to this video today (8/28/13):

King Richard Armitage Week 2013 Coming Soon

Richard Armitage and Richard III fans please note - King Richard Armitage Week starts August 21.

KRA will celebrate the birthday of dear Richard Armitage with articles, stories, history, games, and the contributions of fellow KRA and RA bloggers and participating websites.  

To stay up to date with all events, make sure to check the KRA website daily starting on August 21.

http://kingrichardarmitage.rgcwp.com/

What is KRA?  Click HERE and sign the petition

King Richard III 

(facial reconstruction)

Leicester and Richard Armitage Win By A Nose over York and Sean Bean

Poll results are in!  The question was, who has the most Plantagenet nose, Richard Armitage (Leicester) or Sean Bean (York)? We compared their profiles to a real Plantagenet, Richard III.

THE WINNER IS Leicester and RICHARD ARMITAGE

Sean Bean (York) lost by a wide margin - Sorry Sean

I still love your nose

Richard III Facial Reconstruction:

The Results:

70%  Voted for Richard Armitage 

29%  Voted for Sean Bean

For more details see poll on right hand sidebar

Thank You for Voting 

Pics and Caps from RichardArmitagenet.com, Google Images

We Have Richard III

University of Leicester confirms in press conference this morning that the remains found in the Leicester car park are indeed those of Richard III.

More about this on the news and at the links below:

http://www.le.ac.uk/richardiii/


http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-02-04/meet-philippa-langley-the-woman-who-discovered-richard-iii-in-a-car-park#.UQ-gKf0y_qs.twitter

Will we hear from Richard Armitage this week on BBC Radio Leicester about this amazing discovery of Richard III in Leicester? Will we hear from him about a future program/series about Richard III and his interest in starring in, or producing, such a program/series? We hope we will. 

Petition for “Richard III”

For several years, Richard Armitage, the famous British actor and star of “North and South,” “Robin Hood,” “Spooks,” “Strike Back,” and the upcoming “The Hobbit” films has been seeking financing to make a film or television series exploring a more historically accurate portrayal of King Richard III of England.

Please support Richard Armitage’s effort by signing this petition and encouraging potential financiers and production investors to support the “Richard III” project.

 Petition at the link below:

http://kingrichardarmitage.rgcwp.com/petition-for-richard-iii/



Update and More information from the University of Leicester Press Office - Thanks to KRA:

UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER ANNOUNCES DISCOVERY OF KING RICHARD III

UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER REVEALS:

• Wealth of evidence, including radiocarbon dating, radiological evidence, DNA and bone analysis and archaeological results, confirms identity of last Plantagenet king who died over 500 years ago

• DNA from skeleton matches TWO of Richard III’s maternal line relatives.  Leicester genealogist verifies living relatives of Richard III’s family

• Individual likely to have been killed by one of two fatal injuries to the skull – one possibly from a sword and one possibly from a halberd

• 10 wounds discovered on skeleton - Richard III killed by trauma to the back of the head.  Part of the skull sliced off

• Radiocarbon dating reveals individual had a high protein diet – including significant amounts of seafood – meaning he was likely to be of high status

• Radiocarbon dating reveals individual died in the second half of the 15th or in the early 16th century – consistent with Richard’s death in 1485

• Skeleton reveals severe scoliosis – onset believed to have occurred at the time of puberty

• Although around 5 feet 8 inches tall (1.72m), condition meant King Richard III would have stood significantly  shorter and his right shoulder may have been higher than the left

• Feet were truncated at an unknown point in the past, but a significant time after the burial

• Corpse was subjected to ‘humiliation injuries’ –including a sword through the right buttock

• Individual had unusually slender, almost feminine, build for a man – in keeping with contemporaneous accounts

• No evidence for ‘withered arm’ –as portrayed by Shakespeare – found

• Possibility that the individual’s hands were tied

• Grave was hastily dug, was not big enough and there was no shroud or coffin

The University of Leicester, in association with Leicester City Council and the Richard III Society, led the Search for Richard III.

The Search for Richard III is also the subject of a Channel 4 documentary made by Darlow Smithson Productions.

The documentary makers had exclusive access to the search team during the archaeological dig and during the scientific tests to determine the skeleton’s identity.

Their documentary, Richard III: King in the Car Park, can be seen at 9pm on Channel 4 today (Monday, February 4).

More information about Channel 4’s Richard III: King in the Car Park documentary can be found at:http://www.channel4.com/programmes/richard-iii-the-king-in-the-car-park/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1

The public can find more information about the University of Leicester’s Search for Richard III at:www.le.ac.uk/richardiii

Ends

Facial Reconstruction of Richard III (University of Leicester - February 5, 2013)

Resemblance with Richard Armitage? I think so, do you?

Richard Armitage as Guy of Gisborne

_________________________________________________

Interesting post from the academic point of view: 

Popularizing Archaeology: Richard III and Archaeological Theater  by Paul Mullins:

http://paulmullins.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/popularizing-archaeology-richard-iii-and-archaeological-theater/

____________________________________________________________________________

King Richard Armitage Article and Interview Today in Leicester Mercury

Our Lovely Leicester Lad Richard Armitage and the Fabulous King Richard Armitage website and project is featured today in the Leicester Mercury.

King Richard Armitage  co-founder and leader Roswitha Gerhart was recently interviewed by the Leicester Mercury and you can read the interview and article by clicking on the link below. The article talks about Armitage fan efforts to support his interest in producing, and possibly starring, in a more historically accurate film or television series about Richard III. 

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Fans-clamour-actor-king/story-17937749-detail/story.html

Please show your support for this project by signing the petition mentioned in the article (click on the link below to go to the petition):

 http://kingrichardarmitage.rgcwp.com/petition-for-richard-iii/

The Search for Richard III: Wonderful Drawings by Emma Vieceli from The University of Leicester Site

For more drawings and the story of the drawings inspired by the archeological dig and about graphic artist Emma Vieceli go to the link below:

http://www2.le.ac.uk/news/blog/2012/september/richard-iii-pictures

Interview with the artist from Medievalist.net

http://www.medievalists.net/2012/09/14/the-story-of-richard-iii-as-graphic-novel/

"The Search for Richard III Has Entered a New Phase" Is the Skeleton Found in Leicester the King?

Exciting news yesterday from the archaeological dig in search of the remains of Richard III of England.

To see the entire press conference click HERE.

Renewed interest in Richard III is bound to be a very positive development on the road to Richard Armitage's plans for a series or film based on the historical facts of the king's life. 

From The Telegraph

San Francisco Chronicle

"Richard Buckley, co-director of the university's Archaeological Services, said the bones are a "prime candidate" to be Richard's. The remains are now being examined and the team hopes that DNA can be recovered to aid identification.

Taylor said the skeleton displayed spinal abnormalities consistent with contemporary accounts of Richard's appearance.

"We believe that the individual would have had severe scoliosis, which is a form of spinal curvature," Taylor said.

He said the skeleton was apparently of an adult male and in good condition. There were signs of trauma to the skull shortly before death, perhaps from a bladed instrument, and a barbed metal arrowhead was found between vertebrae of the upper back.

Buckley and his team identified a possible location of the grave through map regression analysis, starting with a current map and analyzing earlier maps to discover what had changed and not changed. Ground penetrating radar was employed." San Francisco Chronicle

More background on the Search for Richard III in the 

King Richard Armitage website:

http://kingrichardarmitage.rgcwp.com/history/search-king-richard/

Vote for "Where to bury King Richard III" Poll:

http://kingrichardarmitage.rgcwp.com/2012/09/19/to-bury-a-king/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KingRichardArmitage+%28King+Richard+Armitage%29

Richard Armitage One of "The Most Influential People in Leicestershire"
Leicester Mercury
http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/news.html#sep12

Interesting comments  from Professor Norman Housley and Dr Andrew Hopper the University of Leicester's School of Historical Studies:

"Little reliable contemporary evidence has survived for the nature of his kingship because his reign proved so short and because his Tudor successors legitimised themselves by encouraging literary works (of which Shakespeare was not the first) that depicted him as a caricature tyrant. So, if it proves possible to nail the Tudor slander of the ‘hunchback king’ with medical evidence of severe scoliosis rather than kyphosis, it will be gilt on the gingerbread because efforts during the last three centuries to restore his reputation have never fully succeeded in undermining this enduring popular image.

"Secondly, irrespective of the Richard myth, the discovery of the body will be significant because of what is already being indicated about the cause of death. The evidence of an injury to the back of the skull and the discovery of the arrowhead between vertebrae of the upper back will stimulate debate about exactly how Richard was killed at Bosworth, and beyond that, about close combat in medieval battles. This is fitting because Richard polarised opinion during his life and from beyond the grave; his reliance on a northern regional powerbase to maintain his rule fostered a north-south divide in allegiance partially reflected in the historiography since."

Group Read of The Sunne in Splendour: Richard III and Richard Armitage

A group of Richard Armitage fans are planning a group read or collective read of The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon K. Penman. 

For all the details on how to join the collective reading group go to DistRActed Musings of one ReAlity at the link below:

http://distractedinreality.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/fall-into-splendour-or-collective-reading/

And on Facebook : The Institute of Armitage Studies

The Collective Read starts on September 30

Tudorplace.com.ar

Richard Armitage has mentioned this historical novel when he's talked about his wish to star and produce a more historically accurate TV series or film based on the real facts of Richard III of England's life and not Shakespeare's play. Armitage has also mentioned his more personal and family connection to the book:

"I was named Richard being born on the anniversary of Richard III’s demise at Bosworth; one of my father’s favourite novels is The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman, and I read this many years ago. In recent years it has lead to a tentative interest and line of research into the rehabilitation of this story. As an actor, it’s a project I would love to achieve. I believe it is a great story, a socio-political thriller, a love story and a dynastic tragedy."
From the Vulpes Libres Interview, 2009

Battle of Towton - Military-Art.com

I've had the book for a little while, curious because Armitage mentioned it and because of the King Richard Armitage project.  I just started reading the book at the end of August. 

Richard Armitage Talks About Richard III

Being a Richard Armitage Fan is Very Educational

King Richard Armitage Week: Four Directors Armitage Should Consider for His Richard III Production

I love historical drama but not all historical drama has lived up to my expectations. Though I've watched both The Tudors and The Borgias I must confess I'm not a huge fan of either show. I do like The Tudors much  better, but I still find that both programs often have the look and feel of a glorified soap opera. The Eastenders with lavish costumes and locations.  

Richard Armitage has expressed his interest and commitment to a historically accurate portrayal of  Richard III's life and time.  I have no doubt that whatever project he's involved in will be the best. But television programs and films are a team effort involving many talented and dedicated people including writers, producers, actors, and directors.    

A key element of any successful television program is the right director.  Richard Armitage as producer of a future Richard III television series will need to find someone that shares his vision and will successfully bring his dream project to the screen. In a multi episode series he could select one director to put his stamp on the entire program, or he could use multiple directors for a set of episodes to make it more interesting for the actors and the audience.  I propose the four directors below for his consideration. 



Asif Kapadia

Kapadia is a film and documentary director who often looks to his Asian roots for inspiration, but he was born in London. He has a great eye for location and use of stunning scenery.  The environment and location of the story becomes a character in his hands.  His film The Warrior (trailer below) shows his ability to direct a historical epic.

Ashley Pearce

British director Ashley Pearce has a track record with period dramas having directed episodes of Downton Abbey, Poirot, and Garrow's Law.  He's also directed two episodes of Jimmie McGovern's Accused, including the recent episode Tracie with Sean Bean.

I've been watching Garrow's Law recently (thanks to great film watch friends) and it is the perfect blend of great acting and great directing.  Season 2 has a very period feel to the look,  but a contemporary pace in the story. I love the water imagery and the lighting of the first episode of Season 2 directed by Mr. Pearce (see video below).  His style would translate perfectly to a story of triumph and tragedy like Richard III. 

Brian Percival

Percival is another British director with much experience directing period drama.  Among his best known work is Shakespeare Re-Told (Much Ado About Nothing), The Ruby in the Smoke and The Old Curiosity Shop. He won the BAFTA Award for Best Short Film for his nine-minute short About a Girl.  He has an excellent connection with Richard Armitage having directed him in North & South.  

What can I say about the excellent North & South that hasn't already been said.  Percival brought the best out of actor Richard Armitage for his unforgettable performance as John Thornton and there is no reason to doubt it would be a great partnership of actor and director for Richard III.

Here is a clip of a scene all Armitage fans know well: Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage directed by Brian Percival

Alan Taylor

Taylor is an American director who has directed many great television shows, many that may not be considered "period drama" but tell about a time gone by. I know Taylor's work from Game of Thrones, Mad Men and The West Wing. He also directed several episodes of Rome.

But the film of his that made me think he would be an excellent match for Armitage's Richard III is The Emperor's New Clothes. The film stars Ian Holm (Bilbo!) playing a dual role as Napoleon Bonaparte and his double. The premise of the film is that Napoleon escapes St. Helena and lives incognito in Paris plotting to regain the throne while his double pretends to be the real Napoleon in St. Helena.

Link to Trailer video

http://www.totalfilm.com/video/the-emperors-new-clothes-trailer-mpYRb6WV9t6i4

This post is my contribution to King Richard Armitage Week.

Don't forget to keep checking the KRA and Me + Richard Armitage website for more quiz questions.