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| Shakespeare in Love--A Review |
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 Shakespeare in Love Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Judi Dench, Ben Affleck. Director: John Madden Rating:  5 Stars I had to wait for a long time until this movie got out of limited release and finally came to my small little corner of Alabama which is almost completely void of culture. Now the waiting is over, and let me tell you, I am impressed. Tom Stoppard is not only very educated in Shakespeare and his works, he is a brilliant playwright and did one hell of a job on this script. The movie is at time dramatic, then uproariously funny, and suddenly touchingly romantic. Stoppard goes out of his way to manipulate the devices that the bard himself used such as anachronistic objects (the Stratford souvenier coffee mug on Will's desk), manipulation of history to suit his purpose (we all know there were no English colonies in America until 1601), puns too numerous to mention, and most importantly the device of the play within the play (one of Shakespeare's favorite techniques seen in Hamlet and A Midsummer Night's Dream to name a few). The acting is top notch from the two star-crossed lovers Will (Joseph Finnes) and Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow) to the strong supporting cast. Joeseph is a talented young actor who captures the essence of the bard. His background in the Elizabethan drama shines through. Paltrow's perfomance, however, is the most captivating. She has dazzled us before with Emma and Sliding Door, but this role should establish her as one of, and, in my opinion, the best actress on the scene today. A hell of a feat for a woman in her mid-twenties. Judi Dench is incredible as Queen Elizabeth, powerful and intimidating. Geoffrey Rush shines (no pun intended), and the movie just would not be complete without Ben Affleck. I like him in Good Will Hunting , but here his comical pompous character just serves to compliment the rest of the cast. It is the best cast I have seen assembled in sometime. The script is magnificent, and personally, I think the text should be published an immediately incorporated into the cannon of literature. Generations to come should study this one, learning the obscure refrences, meaning of puns, and realizing the true genuis that we have behind the writing. Those who are Shakespeare buffs or who are in love with literature as I am will love all of the scattered bits of information thrown around and appreciate some of the jokes. The average viewer may not know who Kit Marlowe or Dick Burbage is, nor may he laugh when the child outside who loves to see bloody plays tells Will his name is "John Webster". Still, there are plenty more puns and crafty word-play that anyone will appreciate, and the romantic story behind this movie will appeal to even the coldest of hearts (mine included). Therefore, I give this movie the absolute highest accolades that I can. I hope it sweeps the Oscars, and takes home numerous other awards. It may possbily be the best movie I have ever seen. Of course, I am a huge fan of Shakespeare, so I will naturally be biased. Still, I think this movie is worth seeing and will be enjoyed by everyone. What are your comments? Send them to me at Xanadu8503@aol.com with SIL Comments in the subject, and I will try to post them and credit you. |
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