Each text is a confluence of other texts, containing parallels and fragments that provide meaning and timelessness through dominant themes that transcend generations. An exploration of explicit and implicit connections between a pair of texts enhances an individual's understanding of the ideas, values, and attitudes expressed. This changes how audiences can interpret the original text and validates common themes of power, duplicity, and morality in a contemporary light. This relationship is evident in a critical analysis of Shakespeare's 1591 historical play, King Richard III, and Al Pacino's 1996 docudrama, Looking for Richard. The context of each text reflects the respective periods in which they were written and elucidates the cultural issues and philosophical paradigms of humanity as a whole. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay The religious paradigms that underpin the texts shape society. The purpose of the manifestation of metaphysical evil elucidated through the distortion of the body is easily understood by an Elizabethan audience, due to the supernatural and religious context of the time. This personification of evil was used by Shakespeare to interpret Richard III not only as an accomplice villain, but as the incarnation of a Machiavellian character, shrouded in duplicity. “I dress my naked wickedness…and I look like a saint when I play the devil most.” The allegorical depictions force us to recognize Richard's Machiavellian qualities as he metaphorically connects with the devil near the end of Act 1. The themes of duplicity and moral complexity evident throughout King Richard III are found throughout in contemporary society through political figures seeking power by any means, whatever the consequences. This indicates the modern relevance of the predominant themes in Shakespeare's work, as they timelessly transcend the Elizabethan era. The issue of political manipulation, achieved through deception, is explored in more detail by Pacino in his docudrama Looking for Richard. Al Pacino uses Looking for Richard to explicitly depict his interpretation of appearance versus reality through a contemporary medium of production, relevant to his audience in the 1990s. Pacino aims to educate the American population about the value of the play of Shakespeare, King Richard III, and on the enduring relevance of the playwrights' themes. The use of documentary techniques, such as street interviews, communicates the actor's desire to intimately include the audience's opinions in his modernized interpretation of the play. Pacino conveys the power of manipulative language, skillfully employing irony and flattery to deceive others and the audience. This is particularly evident in the scene where Lady Anne is courted. Pacino underlines the moral weakness of Lady Anne and strongly victimizes her character by choosing a young actress. This is also conveyed through stichomythia dialogue and the cinematic technique of dissolving close-ups which highlight the trance-like state Lady Anne falls into when she is seduced by Richard. The audience is reminded of Richard's nastiness through his monologue where he states, "Has a woman in this humor ever been courted?" Has a woman in this comedy ever won? This is supported by Pacino's implementation of low-key lighting to symbolize evil. The use of a docudrama makes Shakespeare's play more accessible to a modern audience and enhances the.