Based on: Henry IV (Parts 1 & 2), Henry V, Richard II, and The Merry Wives of Windsor
In a very modern sense, Sir John Falstaff was a breakout character for Shakespeare, a bit of drink-addled comic relief and occasional buffoonery who, nonetheless, inspired a degree of affection and sympathy from audiences that belied his second-tier status among the plays’ dramatic personae. Orson Welles, who knew a thing or two about betrayal, tragedy, and boozy excess, was drawn to Falstaff from early on in his life and career—his first attempt at a Shakespearean mash-up of the various plays featuring the character began when he was a student in 1930. Decades later, he managed it, reconfiguring and reworking the original texts in order to shine a spotlight on Falstaff (played by Welles, naturally) while still telling the story he wanted to tell. It’s an impressive alternate take on the original works, with a visual flair that culminates in an iconic and much-emulated battle sequence.
(Tom Stoppard’s 1990 film Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, while moving further away from the Bard and deeper into satire than Welles cared to, is another quite good take on Shakespearean sidekicks.)
Where to stream: HBO Max, The Criterion Channel