10 Best Ian Holm Performances
5. Lear - King Lear
This one may technically be a cheat, as it was a PBS broadcast of the National Theatre production of King Lear however, when one has the opportunity to witness Holm as Lear, this absolutely is a chance that must not be missed.
Lear remains one of the great Shakespeare tragedies. The old and failing King divides his kingdom initially between his three daughters, then in a rage at his youngest (and favourite) daughter's refusal to pander to him, he removes her from his plans, splitting it instead between his other two, far less loving children.
Holm is magnificent as the King, showing his descent into madness as a heartbreaking journey rather than something closer to a justified fall. He lends sympathy to the man, bringing out the utter pointlessness of the situation as he wanders off into the great storm, broken again and again by those who had claimed to love him most.
Lear remains one of the great roles in any actor's range and Holm is terrific. There is little in the way of stage or set dressing to distract from the performance here - he is simply an actor who is at his best. He is let down somewhat by the cast around him, none of whom rise to the challenge of appearing with him.