Theatre of Blood - Critical Reception

Critical Reception

This film is considered by some to be among Price's greatest work, and it was a personal favourite of his, as he always wanted the chance to act in Shakespeare, but found himself being typecast due to his work in horror films. Before or after each death in the film, Lionheart recites passages of Shakespeare, giving Price a chance to deliver choice speeches such as Hamlet's famous third soliloquy ("To be, or not to be, that is the question..."); Mark Antony's self-serving eulogy for Caesar from Julius Caesar ("Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears..."); "Now is the winter of our discontent..." from the beginning of Richard III; and finally, the raving of the mad King Lear at the loss of his faithful daughter.

Some critics disliked the film as Price made Lionheart too sympathetic a character, especially compared to his enemies, the critics, who were all (with the exception of Devlin) portrayed very unsympathetically. The film is sometimes considered to be a spoof or homage of The Abominable Dr. Phibes: presumed-dead protagonist (who is a professional performer) seeking revenge, nine intended victims (one of whom actively works directly with Scotland Yard and survives), themed murders rooted in literature, young female sidekick, etc.