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Shakespeare On Film: A Retrospective

Shakespeare: The Bard. A historic, literary genius whose work has been played out on stage and screen on every continent in every part of world but…have we all been played? The question that is rarely asked is brought to the big screen by writer John Orloff (A MIGHTY HEART) and dramatic epic director Roland Emmerich (THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW) in ANONYMOUS.

With this is mind, we take a look at William Shakespeare and varied versions of his writing that have made it to the big screen. In the past 100 years, there have been over 250 films produced that have been inspired, reinvented or just good old adaptations direct from the prose.

As it’s almost impossible to watch every single take on Will’s work, we’ve explored the Shakespearian archives for you and selected some of the best that have made a lasting impression right through the history of modern cinema.

Classic Cinema: HAMLET (1948)

The first Shakespeare classic that appeared on our screens was in 1899, that was KING JOHN but only a single photographic record remains and we’ve yet to been allowed a look. So, instead we concentrate on the first that really made an impact, it starred the legendary Laurence Olivier in the lead role of HAMLET. Olivier was the ultimate Shakespearian actor; his involvement covers nearly 70 years from his youth to his final days.

In this 1948 version he not only directed but also gave us an ominous, contemplative and dark HAMLET. Furthermore, it set the bar for future productions as it took home the first ever British Oscar for Best Picture.

The Science Fiction Adaptation: FORBIDDEN PLANET (1956)

FORBIDDEN PLANET takes The Tempest and sends it into space, this landmark science-fiction also did raise the aforementioned metaphorical bar for cinema by giving us the very first sci-fi that was set completely in deep space. This was also the debut year of Leslie Nielsen’s acting career, a man who would go onto become one of the most treasured comedy film actors in the likes of AIRPLANE and THE NAKED GUN.  Throw in an all-electronic soundtrack, Robby the Robot – a take on Ariel from the play – and similar settings and characters to The Tempest, FORBIDDEN PLANET takes the Bard by that over-sized collar and drags him into the modern film era with an inventive and intelligent contribution.

 The Musical: WEST SIDE STORY (1961)

Here we have the first transformed version of Romeo & Juliet in our list but it’s not a straight forward re-telling of the story, it is quite literally all singing and all dancing. WEST SIDE STORY is the musical that takes on the tale of Capulet and Montague but in the guise of the Jets versus the Sharks as two lovers from rival gangs on the streets of New York fall in love.  An iconic adaptation that entwined Bernstein and Sondheim in music and took home the awards like there was no tomorrow. It won 10 Oscars, including Best director(s) and Best Picture and to this day leads the way in musicals and probably won’t ever be surpassed for respect.

The MTV Update: Baz Luhrmann’s ROMEO + JULIET (1996)

Baz Luhrmann’s ROMEO + JULIET was a whole different animal to the 1961 version. Although it also definitely adapts itself to modern life, this innovative and visually volatile version of Shakespeare’s ultimate tale of tragedy really re-invented the story to an MTV audience who didn’t know that Shakespeare could be fast-paced with guns, heavy action and heated passion but it is every ounce the heart of Will’s work. It also gave the career of a young Leonardo DiCaprio one hell of a kick, when you combine Leo, the beautiful Claire Danes and the direction of Baz Luhrmann, this version of Romeo and Juliet was not only ambitious but really took Shakespeare’s influence towards the end of another century with a whole new audience embracing his work wholeheartedly.

The High-School Adaptation: 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU (1999)

In 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU they take The Taming of the Shrew and evoke the spirit of Shakespeare, he is the talisman in this reworking of the classic. It’s set in Padua Stadium High School in the USA and showcased the fresh new talent of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger in a starring role. Starting at a new school, Gordon-Levitt’s character Cameron James finds the girl of his dreams on his first day but he cannot date her…unless her sister is also dating and from here, the chaos and complications ensue. 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU was praised for its use of a common formula but with a renewed and stimulating twist. Furthermore, the cast make it an easy-going film with genuinely charming romantic undertones, if that’s the kind of Shakespeare you are looking for!

It’s challenging to tie down all of Shakespeare’s history on film and there are sure to be a whole new plethora of updates, revisions, variations and more to come over the next 100 years. Although Anonymous examines whether it was Shakespeare or Edward De Vere who wrote all those works, we still think the main man’s reputation will forever remain intact in literary history. He has lasted nearly 400 years and his inspiration and creativeness doesn’t show any chance of slowing up. There will always be a place for William Shakespeare on the big screen, whatever question is asked.

ANONYMOUS stars Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave and David Thewlis and is due out on 28th October in UK cinemas.

 

Dan loves writing, film, music and photography. Originally from Devon, he did London for 4 years and now resides in Exeter. He also has a mild obsession with squirrels and cake. The latter being more of a hobby. Favourite movies include HIGH FIDELITY, ALMOST FAMOUS, ROXANNE, GOOD WILL HUNTING, JURASSIC PARK, too many Steve Martin films and Nolan's BATMAN universe. He can also be found on www.twitter.com/danbullock

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