Dieselpunk Shakespeare: Richard III (1995)

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of Shakespeare’s plays and poetry. In 1995, Sir Ian McKellen took Shakespeare’s play Richard III and reimagined it into a powerful dieselpunk play and movie.

In the dieselpunk play and movie, the setting of Richard III is changed from Britain of the 1480s to Britain of the 1930s. The film combines a wide variety of uniforms and weapons to create a yet very believable alternate universe. Early in the film, the uniforms and equipment are largely British however, they do at times still have a Soviet element (note the helmets of the soldiers at the train station when the young princes arrive). As the film progresses, and Richard rises to power, the uniforms turn more and more fascist until it achieves a full SS appearance.

The acting of Ian McKellen is extraordinary in this movie. Deliciously evil is the term that comes to mind whenever I watch it. Rickard III has a powerful cast including Annette Bening as Queen Elizabeth, Jim Broadbent as Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, Robert Downey, Jr. as Rivers, Kristin Scott Thomas as Lady Anne Neville and Maggie Smith as The Duchess of York. The acting, direction and cinematography are superb.

The overall effect makes Richard III into an extraordinary movie. Roger Ebert included it in his list of Great Movies and described it as “perversely entertaining.”

I highly recommend Ian McKellen’s ‘Richard III’.

To read a great dieselpunk review of Richard III check out this article by Cap’n Tony at Dieselpunks.org.

Dieselpunk Themed Beers

The Fourth of July just passed and Americans everywhere where enjoying barbecues, fireworks and hanging out by the pool with family and friends. For many, cold beer was the drink of choice. Beer of course plays an important role in the dieselpunk mythos thanks to Prohibition of the 1920s. Therefore, I thought it might be nice to mention two dieselpunk themed beers that are currently on the market.

Metropolis Lager (Brewed by Speakeasy Ales and Lagers)

Metropolis Lager is the recent beer by Speakeasy Ales and Lagers. It hit the shelves in San Francisco in February 2014 with its distinctive dieselpunk label. Metropolis is found only in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the company web site is currently under construction. The official propaganda reads:

“Metropolis Lager pours a radiant gold, with tropical fruit aromas and a delicate floral note. Caramel malts lend a subtle sweetness to balance the dry, crisp character of the lager yeast. Generously dry-hopped with a blend of Mosaic and Saphir hops, Metropolis unites classic German-style brewing and West Coast innovation to create a refreshing yet flavorful lager.”

Dieselpunk Beer (Brewed by World Brews)

Of course, I have to mention Dieselpunk beer. Besides the obvious name, the label art for all three brews (IPA, Porter and Stout) is wonderfully dieselpunk. In addition, the company certainly knows what dieselpunk is for the brand web site reads:

“Once, ours was a dark metropolis rife with corruption and urban decay; our soot-covered city needed to be restored. Fueled with inspiration, we look to what the future holds in our new city — our vision inevitably tainted by a layer of grime. Fuel your vision with Dieselpunk Engineered Ales.”