Still from King Lear — King Lear (1987) — Jean-Luc GodardPhotographed by Sophie Maintigneux

Jean-Luc Godard

King Lear

Name: King Lear
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Released: 1987
Duration: 90 min

United States / English / 1987 / 1h 30m

Not streamingNot currently on the Criterion Channel.

Drama Comedy

Criterion Collection: Spine №1249
Letterboxd: 3.54/5·4.7K ratings·1.7K reviewson Letterboxd
Connections: View Connections

Synopsis

A descendant of Shakespeare tries to restore his plays in a world rebuilding itself after the Chernobyl catastrophe obliterates most of human civilization.

Credits

Crew

DirectorJean-Luc Godard

WriterPeter Sellars, Jean-Luc Godard, Norman Mailer, Richard Debuisne

CinematographerSophie Maintigneux

ComposerLudwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach

EditorJean-Luc Godard

ProducerMenahem Golan, Yoram Globus

Cast

Peter Sellarsas William Shakespeare Junior the Fifth

Burgess Meredithas Don Learo

Julie Delpyas Virginia

Leos Caraxas Edgar

Molly Ringwaldas Cordelia

Jean-Luc Godardas Professor Pluggy

Woody Allenas Mr. Alien (uncredited)

Freddy Buacheas Professor Quentin Kozintsev (uncredited)

Menahem Golanas Self (voice) (uncredited)

Suzanne Lanzaas (uncredited)

Kate Maileras Self (uncredited)

Norman Maileras Self (uncredited)

Michèle Pétinas Journalist (uncredited)

Double Feature

Streaming now, and why it pairs with this film

Breathless1960

Both directed by Jean-Luc Godard

Or

Pierrot le fou1965Both directed by Jean-Luc Godard
Vivre sa vie1962Both directed by Jean-Luc Godard

Related Films

via Criterion Collection

Weekend

1967

Chimes at Midnight

1966

Every Man for Himself

1980

Articles

via Criterion Collection

King Lear: After the End of the WorldRichard Brody — Feb 11, 2025