Pacino's three-tiered directorial debut kicks off with Al's reasons for tackling the Bard. Then he scours the streets of New York for comments on the playwright, eliciting opinions from academics, critics and celebrated thespians on questions of performance, text and the history behind it. He follows an assembled cast through readings and rehearsals, and provides dramatic renditions of key scenes, culminating in a performance of Richard The Third. A marvellously intelligent, witty and imaginative exploration of the problems faced by anyone wishing to act in or comprehend Shakespeare, and a triumph for Pacino.